Vaccinium ovatum

Common Names

Evergreen Huckleberry, California Huckleberry, Huckleberry, Winter Huckleberry, Blueberry

Summary

Evergreen Huckleberry is a Northwest native evergreen shrub with leathery glossy leaves, with new growth bronzy to red maturing to green. It has an upright to spreading habit and ranges from about 2 to 12 feet tall depending on light, with clusters of urn shaped pinkish white flowers in spring and edible berries that ripen to dark purple to blue black. The berries and blossoms attract wildlife, including songbirds, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Prefers moist acidic well drained soil and tolerates sun to shade, drought tolerant once established, hardy in USDA zones seven to nine and deer resistant. Useful for hedges foundation plantings borders and erosion control, with year round foliage and edible berries that support wildlife, propagation can be by seed with stratification or by cuttings or layering, with hardwood cuttings sometimes successful.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

36-96 inches

Spread

4-6 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full Sun; tolerates Partial Sun, Partial Shade, and Full Shade.

Soil Type

Acidic, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, acidic soil.

Soil pH

4.3-5.2

Bloom Color

Pink

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Glossy dark green

Fall Foliage Color

Green (no fall color change; leaves stay dark green year-round)

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow-growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds