Vaccinium parvifolium aka Red Huckleberry

Vaccinium parvifolium is known as red huckleberry or red bilberry. It belongs to the heath family, Ericaceae. Its native range runs from Alaska to central California. This range includes British Columbia, Washington, and western Oregon. It grows near the Pacific coast and on western mountain slopes. Coastal forests provide much of its wild habitat. Plants often root in mossy, decaying logs and stumps.

This deciduous shrub grows upright with many fine branches. Garden plants reach about 5–8 feet (1.5–2.5 metres) tall. Their spread reaches about 3–5 feet (1–1.5 metres). Other accounts give heights of 4–10 feet (1.2–3 metres). Plants can grow taller on good sites. Thin, smooth bark has a reddish-brown hue. Young shoots are bright green, with sharp angles or ribs. The small buds are red. Thin leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. They have oval shapes and smooth edges. Their green upper faces contrast with paler undersides. The leaves turn red before falling in autumn.

Small flowers grow singly where leaves meet the stems. They have a bell or urn shape. Their colour ranges from greenish white to pink. Round, bright red berries follow the flowers. The thin skins let light pass through them. Sources give berry widths of about 6–12 millimetres. The fruit has a tart taste and is edible. People eat the berries fresh or cook them. They also use them in pies, jam, and jelly. Dried fruit keeps for later use. Dried berries and leaves can also make tea.

Grow this plant in moist, acidic soil with good drainage. Loam and sandy soil both suit it. Give it a sheltered place in the garden. In northern areas, sun or light shade suits it. In southern areas, choose light shade. It fits woodland edges, cottage gardens, and informal planting schemes. Red fruit and autumn leaves add seasonal colour. RHS rates its cold hardiness as H6. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 5–9. It needs no routine pruning. Take softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

Pests seldom cause trouble, but several diseases can occur. These include powdery mildew, root rot, and rare honey fungus. Low iron or manganese can cause chlorosis. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards. It records bark preparations used for colds, rather than proven treatment. Long green stems and twigs have also served as broom material.