Huckleberry has small oval leaves that change from orange to red during the frost. Because of these color variations on the leaf, huckleberry excels in providing contrast and depth to your arrangements. Besides from orange/red, huckleberry (or ‘Huck’ as it’s called in our assortment) is available in a beautiful fresh green colour. In this product profile we take a closer look at the huckleberry and its roots.
 

Origin

In North America the name ‘Huckleberry’ is used to describe various plants within the ‘Ericaceae’ family (also known as the heather family). This family is huge: there are about 4250 varieties spread over 124 different species. Well-known family members include the Cranberry, Rhododendron and the blueberry.

Huckleberry occurs in the Northern Hemisphere only, but apart from that it is not tied to a specific region, but it does like a nice and moist soil. You come across huckleberry on mountain slopes, forests, swamps and in other wetlands. You will often find Huckleberry growing on decaying tree trunks and stumps. Some Huckleberry varieties do not shun a volcanic surface. Back in 1980 when Mount St. Helens erupted in the state of Washington, it was one of the very few plant species that survived and thrived after the eruption. 
 

Mythology

In traditional European medicine traditions, Huckleberry was used quite a lot. It was thought to have a positive effect on diabetes and the gastrointestinal tract. However, there is little scientific evidence that will prove this. Today, we use (some varieties of Huckleberry) mainly as food or as dye. 
 

Colours & varieties 

You’ll find various Huckleberry varieties within our assortment. Including ‘Huck red’, ‘Spiral huck’ and ‘Sweet Huck’. Unlike Huck Red and Sprial Huck, Sweet Huck is not included in the Heather Family but is part of the pea-family (Fabacaea). ‘Sweet Huck’ are the green branches that remain when the leaves fall of the bush during fall. The branches are the pinnacle of spring and are therefore quite poplar in colourful spring arrangements. All varieties within our assortment are from the United States and are usually available during the start of the year through springtime.  

Check if Huck is currently available and shop our current Huckleberry (huck) assortment here.