Gaylussacia baccata

Description

Black huckleberry is a small size shrub that usually forms colonies. It is found growing as an understory shrub in mix forests and also in open, rocky areas. It looks very similar with Vaccinium angustifolium only that its glossy leaves are more rounded. The crimson fall coloration is spectacular especially with full sun exposure!

The pink to red bell shaped flowers are followed by dark purple edible berries. They are very much appreciated by wildlife and humans alike 😊 They are eaten fresh, cooked or frozen, similar with the blueberries. The berries are also a traditional food for many Indigenous People communities.

Black huckleberry will do well in regions with cooler summers, cold snowy winters in an acidic, well drained substrate.

Germination: trusted sources indicate the need for a warm/moist stratification for 1 month (fluctuating temperatures between 20-30C) followed by  cold/moist stratification of 1 (2) months, so sow the seeds accordingly outdoors or provide the stratification indoors.