Evergreen Huckleberry

(Vaccinium ovatum)

Evergreen Huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Vaccinium ovatum, commonly known as Evergreen Huckleberry, is an evergreen subshrub or shrub native to the understory of coniferous and mixed forests, as well as coastal scrub, along the West Coast of the USA and Southern Canada. It typically grows to a height of 3-8 feet and a width of 3-10 feet. The plant features small, bell-shaped white to pinkish flowers in the spring, which are followed by round, edible black berries up to a centimeter (0.4 inches) in diameter. These berries can remain on the branches until mid-winter and are a valuable food source for birds and mammals. Evergreen Huckleberry is notable for its glossy, dark green leaves and its ability to thrive in both sunny and shaded conditions, making it versatile in garden design.

Evergreen Huckleberry is appreciated for its ornamental qualities, including its dense foliage and the contrast between its dark berries and flowers. It is used in a variety of horticultural settings, including as an ornamental plant in specialty wholesale, retail, and botanic garden native plant nurseries. It is also successful in natural landscape and native plant palette style gardens, as well as in public sustainable landscape and restoration projects. The plant is adaptable to a range of light conditions, from full sun to deep shade, and prefers acidic, well-drained soils. It requires low amounts of water once established, making it suitable for drought-tolerant gardens. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases in conditions of poor air circulation or overly wet soils.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 3-8 feet
  • Width: 3-10 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium, High
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, 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., Erosion Control, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to the understory of coniferous and mixed forests, as well as coastal scrub

Other Names

Common Names: Winter Huckleberry , Evergreen Blueberry , California Huckleberry , Shot Huckleberry , Airelle Ovale , Bleuet Oval

Scientific Names: Vaccinium ovatum , Vaccinium lanceolatum , Vaccinium ovatum var. saporosum , Metagonia ovata , Metagonia pyxothamnus , Vaccinium ovatum var. angustifolium , Vaccinium ovatum var. ovatum , Vaccinium prunifolium

GBIF Accepted Name: Vaccinium ovatum Pursh