Evergreen huckleberry
Vaccinium ovatum
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
An evergreen shrub. It grows 0.9-1.5 m high and spreads 0.9-1.5 m wide. The leaves are 25 mm long and oval. They have teeth along the edge. The flowers are small and white or pink. They are tinted with red. They are in clusters. The fruit is blue-black. They are 5 mm across and edible.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is cold hardy. It can grow in full sun but also grows in shade. It is drought tolerant once established. It can grow in exposed coastal locations. It suits hardiness zones 7-10. Mt Lofty Botanical Gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Canada, North America (country/location of origin), USA
How it is used for food
The fruit can be eaten fresh. They are also used for jam and for pies.
It is a commonly used fruit.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants are grown from cuttings of the current year's growth. They can also be grown by divisions. Seed germinate poorly and seedling growth is slow.
Its other names
Local names
Blackwinter huckleberry, Box blueberry, California blueberry, Shot huckleberry