California-huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum, Fl. Amer. Sept. 1: 290 (1813))

Family: Ericaceae

Author: Pursh

Bibliography: Fl. Amer. Sept. 1: 290 (1813)

Year: 1813

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Vaccinium

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Canada to California

Description

The California-huckleberry, known scientifically as Vaccinium ovatum, is a notable member of the Ericaceae family. First described by the respected botanist Frederick Pursh in his seminal work “Flora Americae Septentrionalis,” published in 1813, this evergreen shrub has carved a unique niche in the flora of western North America.

This resilient plant is native to the coastal regions ranging from western Canada through the entirety of California. Its ability to thrive in such a broad range of habitats—from the moist, multipurpose forest floors to the fog-soaked cliffs of coastal bluffs—demonstrates its adaptability and hardiness.

Aesthetically, the California-huckleberry is an evergreen shrub, typically growing up to 3 meters in height, characterized by its glossy, serrated, ovate leaves which often present a dark green hue. The plant blooms with small, bell-shaped, pink or white flowers that are inconspicuous but significant to pollinators. These blooms give way to dark purple, almost black, berries that are highly prized not only by wildlife but also by humans.

The berries are not merely a wildlife food source; they are a traditional foodstuff for many indigenous peoples within the region. These berries are renowned for their sweet-tart flavor and are often used in jams, jellies, and desserts. Additionally, they have been recognized for their nutritional and purported medicinal properties, contributing to their continued use and cultivation.

The California-huckleberry’s resilience also makes it an excellent addition to erosion control projects. Its root system helps stabilize the soil, particularly in coastal areas subject to wind and water erosion. Moreover, gardeners and landscapers value this plant for its ornamental appeal, low maintenance needs, and its ability to attract birds and beneficial insects to gardens.

In essence, Vaccinium ovatum stands as a versatile and ecologically important plant that continues to thrive across its natural range. Its historical botanical documentation by Pursh and its continuing relevance both ecologically and culturally underscore its lasting significance.

Common Names

Eng: california huckleberry, california-huckleberry, evergreen blueberry, evergreen huckleberry, evergreen-huckleberry, black winter huckleberry, shot huckleberry
Fra: airelle ovale, bleuet oval
En: California-huckleberry, Evergreen-huckleberry, California huckleberry, Evergreen huckleberry, Evergreen Blueberry, Black winter huckleberry, Shot huckleberry
Zh: 加州越橘
Fr: Airelle ovale, Bleuet oval
Ru: Вакциниум яйцевидный

Synonyms

• Metagonia ovata ((Pursh) Nutt.)
• Metagonia pyxothamnus (Nutt.)
• Vaccinium lanceolatum (DC. ex Dunal)
• Vaccinium prunifolium (Lodd. ex Loudon)
• Vaccinium ovatum var. angustifolium (Hook. & Arn.)
• Vaccinium ovatum var. saporosum (Jeps.)

Distribution

• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Washington (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Nov 6, 2020 by sally gecas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by Rick Reeve (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2021 by Bigfoot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2019 by Gary Trevisan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2022 by boy Danny (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 30, 2022 by bridget marquez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2021 by Veronique Boulanger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2021 by Bigfoot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2020 by Solange (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by jacksun (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 2, 2012 by EOL − Don Loarie (cc-by)

Taken Mar 24, 2016 by EOL − jan blum (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 12, 2019 by David Bernier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2021 by Veronique Boulanger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2021 by Jeff Laing (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 7, 2014 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 7, 2014 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 7, 2014 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 7, 2014 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 7, 2014 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Apr 8, 2016 by EOL − Christian Schwarz (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 8, 2016 by EOL − chlorophilia (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 8, 2016 by EOL − Lauren Magner (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 20, 2016 by EOL − vncdatatech01 (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2882838)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:317276-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Vaccinium ovatum Pursh)

Specifications

Growth form: Multiple Stem

Growth habit: Subshrub, Shrub

Growth rate: Slow

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 5.5