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.