Vaccinium ovatum (Evergreen Huckleberry)

Evergreen Huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum) is a signature Pacific Coast native shrub of dunes, bluffs, and coastal conifer understory. Ranging from southern British Columbia through the Oregon and Washington coast into northern California.

Small urn-shaped pink-tinged white flowers open in spring (April–June), followed by small dark blue-black berries that ripen in late summer and into fall. Glossy bronze-tipped new growth matures to dark evergreen foliage that holds color year-round.

FEIS documents the berries as 'highly preferred by many birds and mammals' and notes elk in the SW Oregon Coast Ranges use it as important browse. Bumblebees and Anna's hummingbirds work the urn-shaped flowers.

Traditional food and medicine plant for at least 13 Pacific Northwest Indigenous Nations including the Makah, Quileute, Quinault, Hesquiat, Tolowa, Karok, and Nitinaht peoples. Fresh and dried fruit, preserves, and medicinal uses.

Excellent coastal plant: FEIS explicitly documents Evergreen Huckleberry on stabilized and active dunes of the northern Oregon coast and on steep ocean-facing bluffs. One of the best native coastal shrubs for the Langlois region.

Note on deer: deer browse is moderate; protect young plants until established.

Classic coastal PNW companion for Salal (Gaultheria shallon), Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum), Low Oregon Grape (Mahonia nervosa), and Red Huckleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium).