Black Huckleberry-Gaylussacia baccata

Note: This is the smaller 1 gal size, and so a lower price.

PLEASE NOTE: This relative of the blueberry needs specific growing conditions and does not do well in typical clay soils in our area! People often grow them in large pots, providing acidic sandy soil, or if you live in a part of Oak Park or elsewhere with more sandy soil. Be aware of that before purchase, as we cannot guarantee health once they are sold. 

Features: Bees and beneficial insects are attracted to the nectar and pollen from this shrub’s small, reddish flowers. Once huckleberries start ripening in June, birds and mammals (small and large, including the human variety) feast on their abundance. Should produce berries well in part shade to sun. They are smaller than blueberries and have fewer, but larger, seeds.

Will spread and form thickets in favorable conditions, which provide cover and food for wildlife.

Light: full to partial sun. Self fertile but flowers/fruits less in full shade.

Soil: dry to moist, acidic sandy soil preferred

Height: 3 ft.

Width: 4-5 ft.

Blooms: spring

Flower color: pink/red

Fall color: red 

See more information and photos at: Illinois Wildflowers and North Carolina State Extension

Photos: 1, 3 from Illinois Wildflowers, 2 Possibility Place; 4, 5 Wikimedia Commons.