Gaylussacia Brachycera ‘Berried Treasure’™

Gaylussacia brachycera ‘Berried Treasure’™

Gaylussacia brachycera, more popularly known as ‘Berried Treasure’, is a relic from the ice age! Its Pennsylvania colony covers over a mile, growing 6″ a year – that’s an ancient 10,000 year single colony! This species of Huckleberry offers glossy, toothed leaves, blooms of white (sometimes pink) urn-shaped flowers, and long (3/4”) drupe-like blue fruits in summer. It’s adaptable to full sun, drought-tolerant, and a haven for pollinators and wildlife. Berried Treasure is a low-growing, spreading shrub with numerous uses – it’s a rare, ancient find!

Common Names:  Box Huckleberry; Box-leaved Whortleberry
Habit:  Low-growing, spreading, shrub; 6 to 8-inches tall
Culture:  Prefers dry, acidic soils, including duff; tolerates poor soil; partial shade to sun
Reproduction:  Self-sterile; plants form colonies which spread by vegetative reproduction along root stock
Foliage:  Evergreen, glossy green with minutely serrated edges; turns red in winter
Flowers:  May to June; urn shaped white flowers born on racemes
Fruit:  July to August; dark blue edible berries
Uses:  Groundcover and habitat restoration, near walkways or next to porches.