// SPECIES PROFILE · SHRUB · NATIVE

Black Huckleberry

Gaylussacia baccata

Black Huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata) is a shrub in the Ericaceae family. Native range includes AR, MO. Hardy in zones 3a–7a. Mature size 2'–5'. Blooms May–Jul.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: Ericaceae
Group: shrub
Native range: Native to 30 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA…
USDA hardiness: Zones 3a–7a
Mature size: 2'–5'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: May–Jul
Wildlife value: High — pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: understory berry · glossy black fruit · acid woods

Black Huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata) — *Gaylussacia baccata* — Black Huckleberry. Photo by Steven G. Johnson via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Black Huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata) is a shrub in the Ericaceae family. Native range includes AR, MO. Hardy in zones 3a–7a. Mature size 2'–5'. Blooms May–Jul. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: understory berry · glossy black fruit · acid woods. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, black huckleberry pairs naturally with: American Hazelnut (Corylus americana), American Plum (Prunus americana), American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), Black Raspberry (Rubus occidentalis).