He-huckleberry
Lyonia ligustrina
Last reviewed: July 2026
He-huckleberry is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
36"–120" H × 36"–96" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 22 more states
Pollinators
bees, moths, beetles
He-huckleberry is a medium to large native shrub that produces clusters of small white urn-shaped flowers from late spring through summer. This adaptable plant thrives in partial sun and tolerates various soil conditions while providing year-round structure to the landscape.
In an HOA neighborhood
He-huckleberry is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: foundation, mid zone.
- Large mature size may overwhelm smaller spaces
- Can appear somewhat irregular in growth habit
Wildlife value
The abundant flowers attract bees, moths, and beetles during the extended blooming period. Birds also benefit from the small berries that follow the flowers.
Common questions
- How much sun does He-huckleberry need?
- He-huckleberry grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does He-huckleberry bloom?
- He-huckleberry blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is He-huckleberry native?
- He-huckleberry (Lyonia ligustrina) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 22 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is He-huckleberry toxic to dogs?
- Yes. He-huckleberry is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is He-huckleberry toxic to cats?
- Yes. He-huckleberry is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- What pollinators does He-huckleberry attract?
- He-huckleberry draws bees, moths, and beetles.
- Is He-huckleberry HOA-friendly?
- He-huckleberry is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like He-huckleberry and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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