Vaccinium ovatum – Evergreen huckleberry

Description As the name implies, evergreen huckleberry is an evergreen shrub in the heath (Ericaceae) plant family. Depending on elevation and closeness to the coast, evergreen huckleberry can be found growing on ridgelines and openings in the forests, or it can be found growing in deep shade under redwood or mixed conifer forests. The green, serrated and leathery leaves are attractive year-round, making this species a popular species for native plant landscapers and growers that live in mild and moist climates where this species will thrive. And as a bonus, the shiny, black berries are delicious! They are great fresh off the bush, as well as in pies, preserves, and other recipes that use berries — if you can beat the birds to the berries! Evergreen huckleberry colorful new growth in the spring, and has lovely pink urn-shaped flowers that are highly attractive to bees, bumble bees and other pollinators. This species grows 2-8′ wide by up to 15′ tall, depending on conditions. Evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum) seed packets contain approximately 200 seeds per packet. Seed Germination Instructions 60 days cold-moist stratification is needed for germination for stored seed for this species. If the seed is fresh is may not need stratification, or it may benefit from only 30 days cold-moist stratification. Sow seeds with a very light layer of soil outside in fall to early spring and let nature do the stratification naturally outside, if you have cold enough winters. If you live in an area with mild winters, you may need to provide the cold-moist stratification artificially. For more information please read through the information in our Seed Germination and Propagation Reference Guide.