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Gaylussacia brachycera
Gaylussacia brachycera (Michx.) A. Gray
Box Huckleberry
Ericaceae (Heath Family)
Synonym(s): Buxella brachycera
USDA Symbol: GABR5
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Spreading evergreen shrub, 6-18 in. high, sometimes forming large colonies. Foliage is dark, glossy green, becoming deep bronze to reddish-purple in winter. Flowers are white or pinkish and urn-shaped, borne in few-flowered, axillary clusters. Fruit is dark blue & edible.
From the Image Gallery
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Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit Type: Drupe
Size Notes: Up to about 18 inches tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , PinkBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: DE , KY , MD , PA , TN , VA , WVNative Distribution: PA to VA & Lexington Co., SC, w. to KY & TN
Native Habitat: Wooded hillsides; mt. slopes
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Description: Sandy, acid soil.
Conditions Comments: An intriguing evergreen ground cover, suitable to areas beneath pines and rhododendrons where the soil is acid and well-drained. No serious disease or insect problems. Absolutely requires loose, acidic soils supplied with ample organic matter.
Propagation
Description: Untreated seeds are slow to germinate. Treatment is recommended. The success of cuttings is variable. Best results seem to occur with treated late summer or fall cuttings.Seed Treatment: Warm followed by cold stratification; one month per treatment.
Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Gaylussacia brachycera in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Gaylussacia brachycera in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Gaylussacia brachycera
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-10Research By: TWC Staff