Box Huckleberry

Gaylussacia brachycera

Physical Characteristics

Gaylussacia brachycera is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Delaware and Pennsylvania to Virginia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Ground Cover;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[3, 62]. Not highly regarded[183]. Tasteless[177, 200]. The fruit is about 12mm in diameter[200].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known