Black huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata)

Black huckleberry

Black huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata) is a huckleberry plant native to the eastern regions of the United States and North America. This shrub resembles blueberry plants and grows side-by-side to blueberries in their native habitats. Black huckleberry attracts butterflies and serves as a home for their larvae.

Scientific classification

Species

Black huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata)

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Perennial

Lifespan

60 cm to 1.2 m

Spread

Green, Yellow, Red, Gold, Orange

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Black, Blue

Fruit Color

Pink, Red, White, Burgundy

Flower Color

Green, Silver, Red, Yellow, Black, Gray, Burgundy

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Slow

Growth Rate

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Attributes of Black huckleberry

Growth Rate

Black huckleberry's slow growth rate unveils its resilience during Spring and Summer seasons. This decelerated development aligns with an observance of gradual height increase, prolonged periods of leaf maturation, and a delay in its berry production. A keen horticulturalist may appreciate this intriguing slow-paced life cycle, synonymous with black huckleberry's survival strategies to thrive in its natural habitat.

Culture

Garden Use

The black huckleberry plant adds interest to gardens almost year-round, with ornamental spring blooms, bright summer berries, and colorful autumn foliage. It can be added to wildlife or informal gardens, either as a border shrub or accent around trees, where it attracts birds and butterflies. Because it can grow in dry and harsh conditions, it works well in coastal gardens and rock gardens, too.

Symbolism

Faith, Simple Pleasures

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Quickly Identify Black huckleberry

Urn-shaped red to pink flowers in spring

Small blue-black berries favored by wildlife

Smooth leaves with resinous yellow dots

Variety in stem texture and color

Modest trunk with smooth, gray bark

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Care Guide for Black huckleberry

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Adapted to its native woodland understorey, black huckleberry thrives in consistently moist soil. Weekly watering maintains necessary humidity, preventing water stress. As a shade-loving plant, it flourishes in areas with regular rainfall, reflecting its natural habitat's conditions.

Fertilize: For optimal care, fertilize black huckleberry with a balanced fertilizer in spring and high-nitrogen feed during fruiting, every 2-4 weeks. Reduce feeding in fall and winter. Water after fertilization to aid absorption and prevent root burn, while avoiding overfertilization to protect black huckleberry.

Pruning: The deciduous shrub black huckleberry produces dark, edible berries and vibrant foliage. Prune in late spring, post-frost, to remove dead branches and thin crowded areas, enhancing air circulation and overall health. Regular pruning promotes disease prevention and robust berry yields, vital for gardeners.

Propagation: Black huckleberry is primarily propagated in autumn and winter using cutting and layering techniques. It has a moderate difficulty level. Signs of success are new foliage and root growth, requiring adequate moisture and protection for optimal propagation results.

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Images of Black huckleberry

Attributes of Black huckleberry

Culture

Quickly Identify Black huckleberry

Care Guide for Black huckleberry

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Common Pests & Diseases