Blue Huckleberry

(Gaylussacia frondosa)

Blue Huckleberry (Gaylussacia frondosa)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Gaylussacia frondosa, commonly known as Blue Huckleberry, is a deciduous shrub native to pine barrens, dry sandy woods, and heathlands in the Eastern USA. It typically grows up to two meters (80 inches) tall and spreads via rhizomes, forming dense colonies. The leaves are elliptic, up to 6 centimeters (2.4 inches) long by 3 cm (1.2 inches) wide, with a hairy and glandular texture. From late spring to early summer, it produces inflorescences of 1 to 4 bell-shaped, greenish-white flowers that hang on pedicels up to 2 centimeters (0.8 inch) long. The fruit is a juicy, sweet-tasting drupe, usually blue but occasionally black or white, ripening in late summer.

Blue Huckleberry is valued for its wildlife support, providing food for birds and other animals, and its ability to form naturalized colonies makes it suitable for restoration projects and naturalistic plantings. It is also used in gardens for its attractive foliage and sweet, edible berries. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun to partial shade, requires low amounts of water, and prefers acidic, well-drained sandy soils. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 3-6 feet
  • Width: 4-6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Native to pine barrens, dry sandy woods, and heathlands in the Eastern USA

Other Names

Common Names: Dangleberry, Blue-Tangle

Scientific Names: , Gaylussacia frondosa, Gaylussacia frondosa var. frondosa, Vaccinium frondosum, Vaccinium decamerocarpon, Vaccinium venustum, Vaccinium glaucum, Adnaria frondosa, Decachaena frondosa, Decamerium frondosum

GBIF Accepted Name: Gaylussacia frondosa (L.) Torr. & A.Gray ex Torr.