Black Huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata)
Estimated Height at Pickup: 1-2', 3 gal
These blueberry lookalikes love part shade and wet mesic to dry acidic soil- perfect for tricky spots next to evergreen trees. Photo shows emerging spring foliage. Edible berries are sweet, can be treated much like blueberries, and are loved by many songbirds- all in one small statured shrub!
Pollination: 2+ individuals recommended.
Light: Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet Mesic, Mesic, Dry Mesic, Dry
Soil Type: Sandy, Rocky
Height: 1’-3’
Width: 1’-3’
Bloom Color: Pink
Bloom Time: May-Jul
Fruit: Sweet black berries mature Aug-Sep.
Fall Color: Red
Root Type: Branching
Notable Wildlife Interactions: Flowers attract mainly bees, occasionally small flies and butterflies. Hosts the Henry’s elfin butterfly, moths such as the pink sallow, Gordian sphinx and huckleberry eye-spot. Berries are eaten by a wide variety of game and songbirds including thrushes, grouse, quail, turkey, doves, jays, towhee, and grosbeaks. Mammals such as fox squirrels will also eat berries, and deer commonly browse foliage.
Notes: Flowers can self pollinate, but set more fruit when cross pollinated. Can tolerate more shade but may not set fruit. Tends to form colonies through suckers.
Sure they're no Val Kilmer, but they can be your huckleberry just the same. ;)