Evergreen Huckleberry

Evergreen huckleberry is a versatile evergreen shrub native to coastal forests, bluffs, and shaded slopes of the Pacific Northwest and California. It typically grows 3–12 feet tall, with glossy, dark green, serrated leaves that can take on bronze or reddish tones in new growth. In spring it produces clusters of small, urn-shaped, pinkish-white flowers followed by dark purple to black berries that are highly valued by birds, mammals, and people for their rich flavor. Ecologically, evergreen huckleberry is an important understory species, providing year-round cover, stabilizing soils, and supporting pollinator and wildlife communities, while also being a culturally significant food plant for native peoples. It tolerates a wide range of soil and light conditions and can even be hedged and used as a better-smelling native alternative to European boxwoods, if desired.