Vaccinium ovatum (California Huckleberry)

Native to the Pacific coastal region, Vaccinium ovatum (California Huckleberry) is an elegant evergreen shrub of neat, upright habit, with multiple seasons of interest. Emerging bronzy or reddish in spring, its small, oval, leathery leaves are closely spaced along the reddish stems and mature to lustrous dark green. Attractive racemes of urn-shaped, white, or pinkish flowers hang under the foliage through spring. Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers. The blossoms are followed by a profusion of edible, blue, or black berries in late summer – a delight for birds, wildlife, and humans alike! The berries are great in jams, pies, syrups, or jellies. Slow-growing and long-lived, California Huckleberry is quite adaptable and versatile. It can be trimmed as a hedge or grown in containers. Cut branches without flowers or fruit are desirable.

• Grows up to 2-8 ft. tall (60-240 cm) and 3-10 ft. wide (90-300 cm).
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in well-drained, acidic soils with moderate to regular water. Tolerates full shade, but may not bloom or fruit. Tolerates sand and clay. Mulch plants well to maintain even moisture for the best growth and production. Drought tolerant once established.
• Great for shrub borders, foundation plantings, or as an edible hedge. Combines well with Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
• Little pruning is needed to maintain a pretty-looking shrub.
• Deer resistant.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings taken in spring. Vaccinium will also root from hardwood cuttings of unbranched shoots of the previous season. Seeds may need to be stratified.
• Native to California, Oregon, and Washington.