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Vaccinium ovatum is a North American species of flowering shrub known by the common names evergreen huckleberry,winter huckleberry,cynamoka berry and California huckleberry.
The primary habitat for Vaccinium ovatum consists of moist, yet well drained and acidic soil[1][2][3]. As many plants, Vaccinium ovatum thrives in the sun but is also very tolerant of shade[3]. These preferred conditions can all be found west of the Cascade Mountain range where this species is often found thriving[1]. Though Vaccinium ovatum can be found in the higher elevations of Southern California, they are primarily found in the coastal forests of Northern California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia[2], where it can grow in the salt spray[3].
Vaccinium ovatum is and understory brush and is often one of the dominant species in the forests it grows in[3]. Other species commonly found growing in conjunction are V. parvifolium (Red Huckleberries), and Symphoricarpos albus (Common Snowberry) [1]. Studies have been done and conclude that Vaccinuim ovatum thrive better in old growth forests opposed to young ones[3]. This is most likely because they are a slow growing plant and require more time to reach maturity[3].
Vaccinium ovatum is a true huckleberry plant, growing well in shade or sun and thriving in acidic soils. Not needing much sun, the plant has a wide variety of forest homes; it is often seen sprouting out of old coast redwood stumps or dense brambles of other forest growths. It commonly grows on the west side the coastal range spanning from British Colombia to the northern coast of California.The shiny, alternately arranged, egg-shaped leaves are 2 to 3 centimeters (0.8–1.2 inches) long and about a centimeter wide (0.4 inches) with finely serrated edges.During the summer the plant produces round, edible black berries up to a centimeter (0.4 inches) in diameter, which can remain on the branches until mid-winter. The berries are eaten by birds and mammals throughout autumn.
Vaccinium ovatum is an erect shrub that grows from 0.5 to 3 meters tall[3] and is considered a slow growing plant[3]. The shrub has woody stems with bright red bark[2]. The leaves are waxy, alternately arranged with margins of about 2-5cm, and are egg-shaped[1]. Leaf size is about 2 to 3 centimeters (0.8–1.2 inches) long and about a centimeter wide (0.4 inches) with finely serrated edges[1]. The leaves are a variety of colors from dark green to bright red.[3] This is caused by different intensities of sun exposure[3]. The more sun received the redder the leaf[3]. Vaccinium ovatum produces flowers in the early spring through early summer with white and light pink flowers[1]. These flowers are urceolate, meaning they hang down below the stem they are growing from[1]. The flowers are also bisexual, meaning they possess both organs that produce microgametes, and megagametes[2]. These flowers have five flower parts, and through the lifecycle eventually form a five-chamber fleshy berry[3][1]. The multiples of five classify Vaccinium ovatum as a dicot[4]. Berries are produced and ripen through the summer and into fall[1]. The berries remain on the shrub for up to a month before falling to the ground[1]. These berries are a dark purple to black color and are a little under a centimeter (0.4 inches) in diameter when ripe[1]. They are edible but can be tart[1]. This is probably due to their high acidity[5], with a pH of about 2.6[5].
Genetically speaking, Vaccinium ovatum is typically diploid[1], though research has found rare naturally occurring tetraploids as well as lab produced tetraploids[6][1]. Scientist have tested to see if tetraploidy is correlated with bigger and sweeter berries[6][1]. Although they have found a correlation, it is not statistically significant or reliable[6]. Tetraploidy also provides the individual with better disease prevention due to the increased genetic diversity[6].
Some can be tetraploids and scientists have found there is some correlation between tetraploid and bigger and sweeter fruit, but it is not statistically significant or reliable. [1][6]
tetraploid can be great disease prevention for the plant because of the increased genetic diversity. [6] 
Vaccinium ovatum interacts with many other species for reasons spanning from resource competition to seed dispersal[4][3]. As mentioned above, vaccinium ovatum is one of the dominant or codominant species in the understory[3]. This suggests that vaccinium ovatum is interacting with the other codominant species, such as V. parvifolium (red huckleberries), and Symphoricarpos albus  (common snow berry), as well as the nondominant species in the understory[3].
Vaccinium ovatum also frequently interacts with animals for seed dispersal[3][4]. Their most common method of seed dispersal is when birds and mammalsconsume their berries and defecate them elsewhere so they can grow a new individual[4][3]. Researchers have recently discovered that banana slugs are also able to reach and consume the berries[7]. Studies were done to make sure passage through the slug's digestive system didn't hinder the seed's ability to germinate, and they concluded that slugs are capable of dispersing the seeds[7]. In addition to seed dispersal, Vaccinium ovatum also relies on other species to disperse their pollen (pollination)[6]. Their flowers are insect pollinated, meaning they attract insects to their flowers so the pollen sticks to them and gets transported to another flower[6].
Vaccinium ovatum is also a common food source for migrating birds[8]. Not only are they a common food but are a healthy food for these birds[8]. A study was done on migratory birds that found leaner birds were found in habitats with much more Vaccinium ovatum plants, and fatter birds were found in habitats with fewer Vaccinium ovatum plants[8].
Vaccinium ovatum was first discovered by American botanistJ.M. Bigelow[9]. Since its discovery in 1853, Vaccinium ovatum has been sought after for many different reasons[9][3][2]. Some of those reasons include, medicine, food, or to be sold in the floral market[3]. In the 1930's to 1950's, approximately 500-1000 tons were being shipped to Europe for domestic sale per year[3]. Because the beautiful stems and leaves were so popular in floral arrangements in the early 20th century, Vaccinium ovatum started to become more scarce[9]. In an effort to keep them from becoming legally endangered, Frank Moll, a lover of the plant, began to transplant healthy individuals to his property where he started a nursery[9]. Moll later died in 1960, but his nursery continued to thrive even without his care[9].
In 2003 many Vaccinium ovatum populations became infected with a fungal disease caused by Pucciniastrum goeppertianum (witches' broom)[9]. The disease caused stem proliferation and decreased berry production but didn't kill the plants[9]. This may have been a factor in why Vaccinium ovatum is used much less frequently today[9].
Native Americans like the Capella tribe have historically and currently used the berries for food and medicinal purposes[3]. They were known to have traveled up to ten miles to harvest the berries which served as a great source of vitamin C in the winter[2]. In addition to food and medicine, some Native Americans also used the berries for spiritual purposes[10].
in the 1930's to 1950's 500 to 1000 tons of the berries were being shipped to Europe for domestic sale per year.[3]
This caused them to be endangered in the early 20th century. [9]
Frank Moll was concerned about the endangerment and started transplanting healthy plants to other locations and also started a nursery just for these huckleberries. He then died in 1960 and his nursery site is still home to very heathy individuals.[9]
In 2003 many plants were infected with a fungal disease caused by Pucciniastrum goeppertianum (witches' broom), that causes stem proliferation and a decrease in berry production.[9]
Native Americans like the Capella tribe have historically used the berries for food and medicinal purposes. [3] They would travel up to ten miles to collect them and they served as a great source of vitamin C in the winter. [2]
the native Americans also used the berries for spiritual purposes.[10]
Traditionally, huckleberries were sought after and collected by many Native American tribes along the Pacific coast in the region, including the Karok. The berries can be eaten raw and are said to taste similar to but sweeter and more intense than blueberries and are a favorite ingredient in jams and jellies. Meriwether Lewis recorded that he observed indigenous people eating the berries raw, dried, and in bread, which preserved the fruit for a season.
Native Americans like the Capella tribe have historically used the berries for food and medicinal purposes. [3] They would travel up to ten miles to collect them and they served as a great source of vitamin C in the winter. [2]
There are many anthocyanins present in the berries skin that are antioxidants and can help prevent or lower chances of disease in those that consume them.[5]
Shows some leaves that have turned red from sun exposure.
Shows flowers being insect pollinated by a bee. A pie made with huckleberries. One of the common pastries made with Vaccinium ovatum berries. Example of the white and pink urceolate flowers.Add more pictures and diagrams for better understanding.
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