Huckleberry – Vaccinium ovatum Morris

An evergreen woodland shrub of the western United States, the Huckleberry is related to blueberries, and like them it requires acid soil. The berries are black when ripe, and good for cooking and preserving, although they can be eaten fresh when fully ripe. Slow-growing, it is easy to look after, but rather slow into bearing. Remains shorter and more compact in full sun. A good choice for forest gardens on acid soil.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Needs acid soil
Position: Sun or shade
Pick: July
Keep: A few days in the fridge
Hardiness: Hardy
Pollination: Self-fertile
Uses: Cooking, preserving
Height: 3-8’ (1-2.5m) Spread: 3-8’ (1-2.5m)