A Diamond in the Rough for your Coastal Landscape
If you are looking for a hearty and attractive shrub for your yard, you may want to consider the native evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum). Often overlooked by home gardeners because it can look a bit scruffy in the wild, the evergreen huckleberry actually has amazing advantages and qualities. These plants are adaptable to many growing conditions (including sandy coastal areas like ours) and require little care. They provide year-round color, flowers that attract pollinators, delicious berries that can last into the winter, and the deer pretty much leave them alone.
There are over 400 species of Vaccinium found in the world of which about 40 are found in the United States, and about 15 in the Pacific Northwest. The genus Vaccinium includes blueberries, cranberries, lingonberries, huckleberries to name a few. There are several species of huckleberries, so be sure to not confuse the evergreen huckleberry with others (such as the mountain or red huckleberry).
These plants grow rather slowly so are easy to control. As their name suggests, they are evergreens with green leathery leaves often with a pretty red tinge. They flower in the spring with clusters of attractive pinkish-white bells, which transform to midnight blue berries in the summer. The berries are edible and can be made into jams or pies if you have enough or baked into muffins. Native Americans commonly ate the berries fresh or dried them into cakes. Some say the berries are sweeter after the first frost so it might be fun to give that a try!
One interesting fact about the evergreen huckleberry plant is that if it is planted in a sunny location it will grow to about 3-6 feet in height, but in shade it can grow to 12 feet or more. It is tolerant of most growing conditions although does best in well drained or sandy soils that are more acidic. For more flowers and fruit allow the plant to get at least some sunlight.
If left to grow on its own the evergreen huckleberry could start looking a bit scraggly after a couple years. Not to despair, with just a little maintenance it will stay in great shape. It takes well to pruning at almost any time of year and be shaped nearly any way you want…it can even be sheared into a dense hedge. I personally like them in a teardrop shape, while others may enjoy letting them grow more naturally.
Living in Ocean Shores there is always the issue of wildlife when considering planting something new, and even though the evergreen huckleberry is practically perfect, I would be remiss to not mention its relationship with our local animals. 
First, the berries are prized by both birds and mammals, including black bears, so you may have some competition when you want to harvest. However, since these plants grow prolifically throughout our area at least your yard won’t be the only option for them to drop by for breakfast. And second, the deer may browse a bit on the foliage, but it usually isn’t a big concern as they have tastier options available. The bigger problem with deer is that the males may come through your yard to “rub out” the velvet on their antlers and do some damage to your evergreen huckleberry bush in the process. I have had over a dozen of these plants in my yard for 15 years and it has happened to me about 3 times. If this happens to you, just trim it back as best you can and give it time to fill back in. You can even cut the bush down to above the crown and let it start over next year.
This native shrub grows on the west side of the Cascade Mountains out to the Pacific Ocean from British Columbia to California. Often found on the edges of evergreen forests and in clearings, evergreen huckleberry is highly adaptable to residential landscapes and compliments plants with larger leaves such as rhododendrons.
If you would like to add this “diamond in the rough” to your yard, consider checking out a local nursery as these plants will likely have the best chance of getting established quickly due to their stronger root systems. You can also try transplanting an evergreen huckleberry from the wild, although they may struggle. The plant’s seeds are slow to germinate but can work, and propagation from hardwood cuttings is sometimes successful. Which ever way you go, be sure to give the plant regular watering until it is established. After that it is fairly drought tolerant, will require low maintenance, and give you many years of enjoyment.
For additional information feel free to contact me at Karen@gardenbytheseaoceanshores.org
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