Box Huckleberry
'Bud break'Vaccinium ovatum
Ericaceae · broadleaf evergreen shrub · native
Last updated
Evergreen huckleberry is a native broadleaf evergreen reaching 5 ft with multiple stems and erect form. It produces white flowers and purple berries. It is restricted to the western Pacific Coast and is the only evergreen huckleberry species.
Evergreen huckleberry is hardy in zones 7a-8b and prefers part shade with well-drained, acidic soil (pH 5.5-7.5). Growth is slow with moderate moisture needs; mature plants tolerate drought well. It is notably long-lived and useful for hedging, supporting a stable landscape structure for decades.
Quick Facts
Aecial Stage (Alternate Host)
Spring Spore Release
Root Colonization Period
Active Below-ground Growth
+ 2 more — see full disease and pest lists below
Field Observations
Phenological Calendar
As of May 13, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1906.2 to 2098.2 GDD₃₂. Box Huckleberry has passed 'bud break' (1333 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of May 13, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,098 | 'Bud break' | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,089 | 'Bud break' | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,063 | 'Bud break' | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,025 | 'Bud break' | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,993 | 'Bud break' | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,972 | 'Bud break' | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,906 | 'Bud break' | — | — |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' | 680 | '' |
| 'Bloom' BBCH '61-65' | 1010 | '' |
| ● 'Bud break' BBCH '07' NOW | 1333 | '' |
Sources: 'NPN citizen science observations (WA+OR), n=16, median. services.usanpn.org' ; 'Field observation, Issaquah, WA' About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of May 13, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 29, 2026, then climate normals.