Hairytwig Huckleberry
Gaylussacia tomentosa
- Native to:
- United States
iNaturalist: © alex_abair (iNaturalist #161522827)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Genus:
- Gaylussacia
- Species:
- Gaylussacia tomentosa
- USDA Symbol:
- GATO5
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
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)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- red, orange
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from underground rhizomes following fire; associated with fire-maintained pine savannas and sandhills.
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Source: Claude AI