Black Huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata)

Family: Ericaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Gaylussacia baccata, the black huckleberry, is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) in dry woods; closely resembling blueberry plants (Vaccinium species), it is grown in similar conditions. Plants spread quickly to form thickets in sunny woody areas. The fruit is deliciously spicy and sweet; they can be eaten out of hand or used in pies, preserves etc. They can also be dried for later use.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Deliciously spicy and sweet, they can be eaten out of hand or used in pies, preserves etc. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; Deliciously spicy and sweet, they can be eaten out of hand or used in pies, preserves etc.; They can also be dried for later use.; The dried fruit can be ground into a powder then mixed with cereal flours to make bread.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry or moist woods, thickets and clearings, on acidic sandy soils. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)