Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.
Vaccinium parvifolium Sm.
Red blueberry, Red huckleberry
USDA Symbol: VAPA
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
A graceful, somewhat straggling shrub with slim branches, bright yellow-green leaves and sparkling-red berries. The plant generally is 3-12 ft. high but can reach 20 ft. The reddish, edible berry is preceded by white to greenish flowers in ones or twos. Reddish leaves cling to the bright green branches well into fall.
The Red Huckleberry is a member of the heath family (family Ericaceae) which is widespread, especially on acid soils, with about 1500 species, mostly shrubs, sometimes trees; 15 native tree and many native shrub species in North America. Leaves: usually alternate, simple, elliptical, and not toothed often thick and evergreen, without stipules.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Shrub Size Class: 6-12 ft.
Leaf Color: Green
Fruit Color: Red
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink , Green
Bloom Time: May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AK , CA , OR , WA
Canada: BC Native Distribution: CA Coast Ranges from Santa Cruz Mts. & Sierras from Fresno Co., n. (w. of Cascades) to s.e. AK
Native Habitat: Dry to moist, conifer woods & openings below 5000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist , Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Moist, rich, acid soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Birds and mammals eat berries.
Attracts: Birds
Propagation
Description: Seeds, layering or softwood cuttings taken in spring can start this species. It will also root from hardwood cuttings of unbranched shoots of previous season. Seeds may need to be stratified and should be sown on a slightly acid soil mix.
Seed Treatment: Stratify for 60-90 days at 41 degrees. No treatment may give good results.
Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff
Go back