Tree Huckleberry

(Vaccinium arboreum)
The Heath Family (Ericaceae)

Small tree or large shrub with flaking grayish-brown to reddish bark and crooked trunk with twisted contorted branches. Leaves arranged alternately along stem, tardily deciduous to evergreen, turning a pink to deep maroon during winter months. Winter Huckleberry, Farkleberry and Sparkleberry are other common names.

Habitat: 

Commonly found in pine-oak forests near streams or lakes.

Interesting Facts: 

North America’s largest blueberry plant. A larval host for Striped Hairstreak Butterfly. Extracts of roots traditionally used to treat diarrhea.

Fruit: 
Long stemmed, shiny black berries, .25-.5”, ripening in fall. Edible by humans and wildlife.
Flower: 
Pink to white bell-shaped about .375” long, blooming March to May.
Wildlife value: 
Deer browse foliage, birds nest in the tree and the berries are eaten by all kinds of birds and wildlife. Flowers attract bees.
Flowers
Fruit
Bark
Leaf type: 
Simple
Pollinator: 
Wildlife value: 
Tree dimensions: 

Leaf length: 1.00-3.00 inches
Tree height: 8.00-30.00 feet
PDF link: 
PDF icon XF60 32448 JM #104 B_ARBO Tree Huckleberry.pdf

Where to find Tree Huckleberry on the Louisiana State Arboretum Trails:

PAW - Pawpaw Loop Trail 12.0

BBR - Backbone Ridge Trail 7.0

WAB - Walker Branch Trail 18.0

Refer to our Live Map to locate this species and its interpretative signage on the trail system.