Vaccinium arboreum

Common Names

Farkleberry, Tree Sparkleberry, Sparkleberry, Winter Huckleberry, Huckleberry

Summary

Sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum) is a native southeastern United States understory tree or large shrub typically 8–15 ft tall and 4–10 ft wide, with twisted, irregular branches and exfoliating bark that reveals pale colors; leaves are glossy dark green, elliptic to ovate and 1–3 inches long; spring racemes bear fragrant white urn-shaped flowers, and black berries mature in fall and persist into winter, providing wildlife food; it grows in dry sandy or rocky soils in woodlands, hammocks, and similar habitats. Cultivation notes: bright direct sun to partial shade and well-drained, acidic soils suit Sparkleberry, which is drought- and heat-tolerant and requires only light irrigation once established. It is hardy in USDA zones 7a–9b and can propagate by seed or softwood cuttings, with pruning in late winter or early spring to maintain form. In landscapes, it serves as an ornamental understory tree with showy flowers and fall color, while supporting wildlife by attracting pollinators and acting as a larval host for Striped Hairstreak and Henry’s elfin; berries are edible for humans but bland, and wildlife rely on them for food into fall/winter.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

8-15 feet

Spread

5-10 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Acidic, well-drained soil, often sandy or loamy.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

4.0-5.5

Bloom Color

White (often tinged with pink)

Bloom Time

Spring to early Summer

Foliage Color

Dark Green

Fall Foliage Color

Red

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous, Evergreen broadleaf, Semi-deciduous

Growth Rate

Medium growth rate

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, birds, and other pollinators