Hairytwig Huckleberry
Gaylussacia tomentosa
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Genus:
- Gaylussacia
- Species:
- Gaylussacia tomentosa
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 6-8 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr, may
- Bloom Colors:
- White, Green
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia), Drexel's datana moth (Datana drexelii), Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), Huckleberry sphinx (Paonias astylus), Phyllonorycter diversella, waxmyrtle wave moth (Cyclophora myrtaria)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.0 (acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Prefers open, sunny locations in native habitats
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Source: OpenAI GPT-4o