Species Black Huckleberry

Black Huckleberry

Gaylussacia baccata

Black Huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata) is a delicious native North American shrub. It has glossy green foliage and dark red berries in the summer. The berries are tart and sweet and grow in clusters, which makes them easy to pick. Black Huckleberry is drought resistant and can tolerate a variety of soils and climates. It is a great addition to gardens and wildlife areas, and provides food for birds and wildlife. Plus, the berries are great for adding flavor to jams, jellies, and other summer treats.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Layering Propagation,Cutting,Division,Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

Partial sun

Soil:

Sandy,Loamy,Rocky

Fruits:

purple,black Fruits Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,black

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

The Black Huckleberry prefers moist soil, but can tolerate somewhat dry conditions. It should be watered about once a week or whenever the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Water slowly and deeply to ensure that the water penetrates the soil rather than running off the surface. When watering, be sure to saturate the entire root area, allowing the excess water to drain away completely before the next watering. For best results, water early in the day or during the evening hours when temperatures are cooler, and can reduce potential water loss due to evaporation.

sunlight

Black huckleberry plants receive approximately 6-15 hours of direct sunlight each day. This should be spread out evenly throughout the day. The optimal amount of sunlight for the plant to thrive in its natural habitat is around 8 hours of direct sunlight. In general, Black huckleberry plants will do best when placed in sunny areas with partial shade to protect them in warmer climates.

pruning

Black Huckleberry can be pruned annually or semi-annually, depending on the desired shape and size of the shrub. Generally, pruning should take place between late winter and early to mid-spring for a healthy, new growth cycle. For the first few years after planting, pruning should be minimal, only removing dead and weak branches. After the fourth year, pruning can begin to shape the branches and you should remove any competing nests, shoots, and branches. Be sure to keep the bush's natural size and shape when pruning and do not trim it back severely.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Black Huckleberry typically begins in July and continues through August.