Black huckleberry is a small shrub that provides 3 seasons of interest as well as being an important food source for wildlife. In spring, urn-shaped pink or red flowers bloom, which are followed by blue-black berries, and finally red and orange fall foliage. The fruit of black huckleberry is also said to be sweetly edible and similar to a blueberry.

Care requirements:

Light requirements: Full sun-part shade

Water requirements: Medium

Soil requirements: Dry-Medium

Bloom time: May-July

Bloom color: Pink/red

Height: 1-3 feet

Width: 2-4 feet

USDA Zone: 3-7

Larval Host: Henry’s elfin butterfly; 9 species of moths

Other notes: Berries are an important food source for wildlife. It has good fall color ranging from orange to red. It is drought tolerant once established and will spread to form thickets. Plants that are grown in too much shade may not flower or produce fruit. Black Huckleberry prefers acidic soil that is sandy or rocky but can tolerate loam soil as well. Flowers are self-fertile but fruit production is better with 2 different plants. If you do need to prune Black Huckleberry, prune immediately after flowering because the flowers bloom on previous season’s growth

Emily’s notes: Most reports say it is tolerate to zone 7, but the BONAP map for this species show a range throughout Alabama and Georgia, suggesting tolerance for zone 8 as well.

Do you have Black Huckleberry growing in your garden? Do you have any tips or tricks for growing it you would like to share? Do you know of any Southeastern nurseries that regularly stock it? Let us know in the comments!