Vaccinium ovatum is an erect shrub that grows from 0.5 to 3 metres (1+1⁄2 to 10 ft) tall and is considered a slow-growing plant.

[1] The leaves are waxy, alternately arranged, and egg-shaped;[2] they are about 2 to 5 centimetres (3⁄4 to 2 in) long and about 1 cm wide with finely serrated edges.

It is found in a contiguous distribution west of the Cascades from southern British Columbia to the redwood forests of the California Coast Ranges.

[3] Vaccinium ovatum interacts with many other species for reasons spanning from resource competition to seed dispersal.

[3] Because the beautiful stems and leaves were so popular in floral arrangements in the early 20th century, V. ovatum became scarce.

[13] In an effort to keep them from becoming legally endangered, Frank Moll, transplanted healthy specimens to his property where he started a nursery.

[13] In 2003, V. ovatum populations became infected with a fungal disease caused by Pucciniastrum goeppertianum (witch's broom).

[13] The disease caused stem proliferation and decreased berry production, but did not kill the plants.

[13] They are also incorporated into many common food items, such as pies, pancakes, muffins, other pastries, as well as jams, jellies, wine, and tea.

[13] Vaccinium ovatum is grown as an ornamental plant for horticultural use by specialty wholesale, retail, and garden nurseries.