Red Huckleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium)

Red huckleberry is a graceful, shade-loving deciduous shrub with angular green branches and delicate bright green foliage, that produces tart, tasty, bright red berries. The berries are preceded by yellowish-pink urn-shaped flowers in spring, which are inconspicuous but feed many pollinators. This plant is commonly found in shady, coniferous forests, often on or near rotting wood, in moist, acidic soil with plenty of organic matter. To successfully grow this plant in the garden, it is recommended to mimic this natural environment as closely as possible. Red huckleberry is slow growing and does not transplant well, so choose your site wisely!

Sun Exposure: Part shade, full shade
Soil & Moisture: Moist, acidic, humus-rich soil
Mature Size: 3'-12' tall
Bloom Time: Spring
Edible: Yes (berries)
Wildlife Value: Attracts bees, butterflies, birds, and other pollinators. Butterfly host plant. Fruits are eaten by birds and mammals.
Native Range & Habitat: Moist, shady coniferous forests, often on stumps or other rotting wood, from low to middle elevations. Native to the west coast, from Alaska south to California.
Other Names: Red whortleberry