Black Huckleberry

(Gaylussacia baccata)

Black Huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Gaylussacia baccata, commonly known as Black Huckleberry, is a deciduous shrub native to the understory of pine barrens, dry acidic forests, and sphagnum bogs in the Eastern United States and Canada. It typically grows up to 150 cm (5 feet) tall and can form extensive colonies, creating dense thickets. The shrub is characterized by its small, glossy, leathery leaves with distinctive resin dots on the undersides, which sparkle when backlit. During the flowering season, which occurs in late spring to early summer, Black Huckleberry produces clusters of 3–7 small, bell-shaped flowers that are orange to red in color. These are followed by dark blue to almost black berries, which are occasionally white, and are known for their sweet flavor.

Black Huckleberry is valued for its edible berries, which are consumed by both wildlife and humans, and can be used in a variety of culinary applications such as jellies, pancakes, and muffins. The plant is also appreciated for its ornamental qualities, particularly its attractive foliage and fruit. In cultivation, it requires acidic soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. While it is generally low-maintenance, it may suffer from leaf spot diseases and is sensitive to root disturbance. Black Huckleberry is not typically invasive but can spread through rhizomes to form colonies. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, as a ground cover in woodland gardens, and for wildlife habitat restoration projects.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 1-3 feet
  • Width: 4-5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Native to the understory of pine barrens, dry acidic forests, and sphagnum bogs

Other Names

Common Names:

Scientific Names: , Gaylussacia baccata, Gaylussacia baccata f. baccata, Gaylussacia resinosa, Gaylussacia baccata var. glaucocarpa, Gaylussacia baccata f. glaucocarpa, Gaylussacia resinosa var. glaucocarpa, Vaccinium resinosum, Gaylussacia baccata f. leucocarpa, Adnaria resinosa

GBIF Accepted Name: Gaylussacia baccata (Wangenh.) K.Koch