Vaccinium ovatum (California Huckleberry)

California Huckleberry, Evergreen Blueberry, Evergreen Huckleberry, Vaccinium ovatum var. saporosum

Native to the Pacific coastal region, Vaccinium ovatum (California Huckleberry) is an elegant evergreen shrub of neat, upright habit, with multiple seasons of interest. Emerging bronzy or reddish in spring, its small, oval, leathery leaves are closely spaced along the reddish stems and mature to lustrous dark green. Attractive racemes of urn-shaped, white or pinkish flowers hang under the foliage through spring. Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers. The blossoms are followed by a profusion of edible, blue or black berries in late summer - a delight for birds, wildlife and humans alike! The berries are great in jams, pies, syrups or jellies. Slow growing and long-lived, California Huckleberry is quite adaptable and versatile. It can be trimmed as a hedge or grown in containers. Cut branches without flowers or fruit are desirable.

• Grows up to 2-8 ft. tall (60-240 cm) and 3-10 ft. wide (90-300 cm).
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in well-drained, acidic soils with moderate to regular water. Tolerates full shade, but may not bloom or fruit. Tolerates sand and clay. Mulch plants well to maintain even moisture for best growth and production. Drought tolerant once established.
• Great for shrub borders, foundation plantings or as an edible hedge. Combines well with Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
• Little pruning is needed to maintain a pretty looking shrub.
• Deer resistant.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings taken in spring. Vaccinium will also root from hardwood cuttings of unbranched shoots of previous season. Seeds may need to be stratified.
• Native to California, Oregon, Washington.

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Requirement
Hardiness	5,6,7,8,9
Heat Zones	4,5,6,7,8
Climate Zones	4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type	Fruits, Shrubs
Plant Family	Aristolochiaceae
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, Early Spring, Mid Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Mid Summer, Late Summer
Height	2' - 3'
Spread	3' - 4'
Water Needs	Low, Average
Maintenance	Average
Soil Type	Loam, Sand
Characteristics	Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Garden Styles	Informal and Cottage
Planting Place