False Huckleberry (Menziesia ferruginea)

Family: Ericaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Menziesia ferruginea is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.8 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweeten the mouth. — Fruit - fresh or dried.; The fruit is about 5 - 7mm in diameter.; The nectar has been sucked from the flowers to sweeten the mouth.

Habitat & North American Range

Woodland shade below 300 metres in California. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)