Native Huckleberries
More than a dozen Vaccinium species are native to western North America—spreading from the coastal rainforests to the subalpine meadows of the Rockies—and many produce berries prized for their rich, complex flavor. At Native Foods Nursery, we proudly offer five of the best-tasting native huckleberries—Cascade Blueberry (V. deliciosum), Black Huckleberry (V. membranaceum), Evergreen Huckleberry (V. ovatum), Oval-leaf Huckleberry (V. ovalifolium), and Red Huckleberry (V. parviflorum)—along with their northern cousin, Lingonberry (V. vitis-idaea). Together they represent the largest selection of native huckleberries available in the West, each one a hidden gem for edible and ecological landscapes.
See the comparison table below to choose the best match for your garden or climate.
| Species | Height & Habit | Flavor & Fruit | Bloom & Harvest | Ease of Growth | Best Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evergreen Huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum) [1] [2] | 3–8 ft evergreen shrub; compact, glossy foliage. | Sweet-tart black berries; excellent fresh or preserved. | Blooms spring; ripens late summer–fall. | Easy (most adaptable). | Year-round foliage; shade/salt tolerant; great hedge [2]. |
| Oval-leaf Huckleberry (Vaccinium ovalifolium) [3] [4] | 2–6 ft upright deciduous shrub. | Sweet, juicy blue-purple berries; mild blueberry-like flavor. | Blooms late spring; ripens mid–late summer. | Moderate (likes cool, moist, acidic sites). | Larger fruit; versatile woodland edge choice. |
| Red Huckleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium) [5] [6] | 3–10 ft airy deciduous shrub with green twigs. | Tangy red berries with citrusy brightness. | Blooms spring; ripens mid-summer. | Moderate (thrives in part shade, humus-rich soils). | Highly ornamental; classic under conifers [7]. |
| Black Huckleberry (Vaccinium membranaceum) [8] [9] | 3–6 ft deciduous shrub; upright, rhizomatous. | Deep, intensely flavored purple berries; prized for preserves. | Blooms spring–early summer; ripens late summer (later at elevation). | Difficult (needs cool, acidic, mountain-like conditions). | Iconic wild flavor; key wildlife/Indigenous food [9]. |
| Cascade Blueberry (Vaccinium deliciosum) [10] [11] | Low (8–18 in) subalpine shrub; forms mats. | Delicate, sweet blue berries; superb fresh eating. | Blooms late spring; ripens mid- to late summer. | Difficult (cool summers; very acidic, organic soils). | Alpine beauty; classic high-country berry [12]. |
| Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) [13] [14] | 2–16 in evergreen groundcover. | Tart, cranberry-like berries; rich in vitamin C/phenolics. | Blooms late spring; harvest late summer–fall (often two crops). | Easy (hardy, low, long-lived). | Compact edible groundcover; pairs with huckleberries [15]. |