box huckleberry

noun

1. a nearly prostrate evergreen huckleberry shrub, Gaylussacia brachycera, of central to eastern North America, having short clusters of white or pink flowers and blue fruit.

Word History and Origins

Origin of box huckleberry¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Example Sentences

It turned out to be Gaylussacia brachycera, or box huckleberry, a shade-loving evergreen thought to be among the oldest living things on earth.

From New York Times

In the box huckleberry, one such secret lies underground.

From New York Times

The box huckleberry gets its name from the resemblance of its short, shiny leaves to the common boxwood.

From New York Times

Gene F. Odato, a district forester for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, said it could be difficult to make the case that an unassuming plant like the box huckleberry deserves protection.

From New York Times

Over the last decade, she has collected samples from every state where the box huckleberry exists.

From New York Times