Planting and Growing the Black Huckleberry

The black huckleberry is from the heath family of plants and is native to the United States. It is botanically listed as Gaylussacia baccata. It has pretty blooms and berries that can feed both humans and wildlife.

Black Huckleberry Description

Growing one to two feet high, this short perennial shrub has many branches and forms a colony. It has small green leaves that turn orange and red in the fall. Flowers are in panicles on the growth of the last season. They are tubular and white, blooming between May and July. Berries are blue-black.

Growing Guide

This native will grow in any lighting and any soil, particularly a rocky acidic or sandy acidic soil. Propagate by seed which can be extracted from the berries by macerating in water. Use warm stratification for a month then cold stratification to better chance germination.

Distribution

The black huckleberry is found in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. It is seen in thickets, clearings, and in open woods.

Food Source

Black huckleberries are spicy and sweet, good for pies or preserves. They can be dried for cakes or made into a powder to make bread.

Herbal Remedy

Leaf infusions have been an old herbal remedy for dysentery or Bright’s disease. It is said to have astringent properties.

Source: PFAF, NPIN


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