Red Huckleberry
Vaccinium parvifolium
Ericaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · native
Last updated
Red huckleberry (red whortleberry) is a native broadleaf shrub reaching 4-10 ft with multiple stems and erect form. It produces small greenish-white or pinkish bell-shaped flowers and edible red berries. It grows in coastal forests from Alaska to central California.
Red huckleberry is hardy in zones 5a-8b and prefers part shade with well-drained, acidic soil (pH 5.0-7.5). Growth is slow with low moisture requirements; established plants have high drought tolerance. It is long-lived in coastal forest conditions and useful for shade plantings.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1070 to 1180.6 GDD₃₂. Red Huckleberry has reached 'flower buds visible' (1031 GDD₃₂) and is approaching 'first bloom', predicted around Apr 5.
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 3, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,181 | 'First bloom' | 'Fall color / leaf senescence' | 556 |
| Seattle / UW | 1,171 | 'First bloom' | 'Fall color / leaf senescence' | 566 |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,111 | 'Flower buds visible' | 'First bloom' | 31 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,106 | 'Flower buds visible' | 'First bloom' | 36 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,101 | 'Flower buds visible' | 'First bloom' | 41 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,075 | 'Flower buds visible' | 'First bloom' | 67 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,070 | 'Flower buds visible' | 'First bloom' | 72 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'Bud break' BBCH '07' | 773 | '' |
| 'Leaf emergence' BBCH '11' | 932 | '' |
| ● 'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' NOW | 1031 | '' |
| ○ 'First bloom' BBCH '61' NEXT | 1142 | '' est. Apr 5 (forecast) |
| 'Fall color / leaf senescence' BBCH '93' | 1737 | '' est. May 4 (avg) |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? GDD₃₂ thresholds from USA National Phenology Network citizen science observations (WA+OR). Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Apr 19, 2026, then climate normals.