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 21, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1393.7 to 1554.7 GDD₃₂. Red Huckleberry has reached 'first bloom' (1142 GDD₃₂) and is approaching 'fall color / leaf senescence', predicted around May 2.
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 21, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,555 | 'First bloom' | 'Fall color / leaf senescence' | 182 |
| Seattle / UW | 1,516 | 'First bloom' | 'Fall color / leaf senescence' | 221 |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,497 | 'First bloom' | 'Fall color / leaf senescence' | 240 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,467 | 'First bloom' | 'Fall color / leaf senescence' | 270 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,440 | 'First bloom' | 'Fall color / leaf senescence' | 297 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,434 | 'First bloom' | 'Fall color / leaf senescence' | 303 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,394 | 'First bloom' | 'Fall color / leaf senescence' | 343 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'Bud break' BBCH '07' | 773 | '' |
| 'Leaf emergence' BBCH '11' | 932 | '' |
| 'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' | 1031 | '' |
| ● 'First bloom' BBCH '61' NOW | 1142 | '' |
| ○ 'Fall color / leaf senescence' BBCH '93' NEXT | 1737 | '' est. May 2 (forecast) |
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 21, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 7, 2026, then climate normals.