Essentially pest and disease free, and not requiring much pruning other than occasional light pruning to shape, Vacciniums are a great addition to the garden. The berries are edible to both humans and birds, so they are an asset to both the wildlife and wild fruit gardens. In the spring, the branches are covered with clusters of tiny, pinkish-white bell-shaped flowers, followed by tiny blue-black fruit. The fruit is so small that it takes a good-sized portion to make jam, jelly or syrup – but it is worth the effort for their sweet, fresh flavor. Evergreen leaves are so nice that branches are used in florist arrangements. New growth is dark red and turns deep green as leaves mature. Grows 4-5’ x 4-5’ in the city – 12’ x 4-5’ in forests. Sun to shade – in sunny areas the plant will be shorter, denser and more compact. In shady areas Vaccinium ovatum will be taller, more open and graceful. Zones 7-9. Photo courtesy of Portland Nursery.
Huckleberry ‘Wild Coastal Huckleberry’ (Vaccinium ovatum)
Description
Essentially pest and disease free, and not requiring much pruning other than occasional light pruning to shape, Vacciniums are a great addition to the garden. The berries are edible to both humans and birds, so they are an asset to both the wildlife and wild fruit gardens. In the spring, the branches are covered with clusters of tiny, pinkish-white bell-shaped flowers, followed by tiny blue-black fruit. The fruit is so small that it takes a good-sized portion to make jam, jelly or syrup – but it is worth the effort for their sweet, fresh flavor. Evergreen leaves are so nice that branches are used in florist arrangements. New growth is dark red and turns deep green as leaves mature. Grows 4-5’ x 4-5’ in the city – 12’ x 4-5’ in forests. Sun to shade – in sunny areas the plant will be shorter, denser and more compact. In shady areas Vaccinium ovatum will be taller, more open and graceful. Zones 7-9. Photo courtesy of Portland Nursery.
