Dangleberry Gaylussacia frondosa

Blue huckleberry is a native, blueberry-like shrub in the Ericaceae family. It has distinctive resin dots that only occur on the lower surface of the leaves, and a large, open, lax inflorescence that gives it another common name, dangleberry. This is a huckleberry of the Atlantic coastal plain. It proliferates rapidly from rhizomes when disturbed. It is deciduous to semi-evergreen found on forest edges, meadows, wetland margins, and fields.  Its growth rate is slow.  The bark is gray-brown and finely peeling.  

Regions:  Piedmont, Coastal Plains

Seasons of Interest: 

  Blooms:  Early spring/spring            Nut/Fruit/Seed:  Late summer

Wildlife Value:   This plant is moderately resistant to damage from deer.  It is a host plant for Henry Elfin's butterfly.  Butterflies are attracted to its blooms.  Its thickets provide cover for wildlife, while birds including grouse, bobwhite, scarlet tanagers and wild turkeys eat the berries.