Red Huckleberry

Vaccinium parvifolium

Illustration: Red huckleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium) translucent red berries

Identification: Delicate shrub with distinctly ANGLED green twigs; small oval leaves; translucent jewel-like RED berries; tiny pink urn flowers.

Dangerous look-alikes: No toxic look-alike — the angled green twigs + translucent red berries are diagnostic. (Red elderberry has compound leaves and woody stems — different.)

Edible parts: Ripe berries.

Season and habitat: Summer. Moist coastal woods, often growing on nurse logs and stumps.

Preparation: Tart and bright fresh; wonderful jelly, sauce, and baking berry. Pick by the handful along any coastal trail.