The evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum), also known as the California huckleberry, is a true huckleberry native to coniferous forests on the Pacific Northwestern, usually within reach of the coast. They were very popular among the indeigenous people, and lots of tribes used to travel long distances to collect them. Today they are used as ornaments, as it is a popular plant that, besides slightly acidic soil, can grow well anywhere.
Its leaves are leathery and deciduous, and mature from red to green, with the top layer having richer color than the bottom. They are alternately arranged on the stem and have finely toothed margins, and can be between two and five centimeters long. The flowers are bell-shaped and hang upside down, and have round, lobed margins that can get up to eight millimeters long.
- Leaves thick, leathery and deciduous, alternately arranged and sharp toothed
- Green and sometimes red on the top of the leaf, and lighter underneath
- Leaves can be 2 to 5 cm long, and can get up to four meters tall
- Flowers are bell-shaped and upside down, and pedals have round, lobed margins
- Flowers have stamen in the middle, and can be in clusters of three to ten
- Produces deep black/purple berries that are sweet and slightly musky