Vaccinium arbuscula
(A. Gray) Mart.
Tall Bilberry
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Wikimedia Commons - Dave Powell, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
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Wikimedia Commons - Superior National Forest
Summary
Source: WikipediaA deciduous shrub growing to 0.6 m tall. Hermaphroditic flowers are insect-pollinated. Prefers light sandy to medium loamy, well-drained soil with mild to very acid pH. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist to wet soil conditions.
Description
A deciduous shrub growing to 0.6 m tall. Hermaphroditic flowers are insect-pollinated. Prefers light sandy to medium loamy, well-drained soil with mild to very acid pH. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist to wet soil conditions.
Edible Uses
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Canada, North America, USA,
Propagation
Seed should be sown in late winter in a greenhouse using a lime-free potting mix, barely covered. Stored seed may require up to 3 months of cold stratification. Alternatively, sow seed in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe. Once seedlings reach about 5cm tall, prick them out into individual pots and grow on in a lightly shaded position in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5–8cm with a heel, can be taken in August in a frame, though this is slow and difficult. Layering can be done in late summer or early autumn, or in spring according to some reports, and takes 18 months. Division of suckers can be carried out in spring or early autumn.
Other Uses
None known.
Dangerous Lookalikes
This plant can be confused with the following toxic species. Always verify identification carefully before consuming any wild plant.
Deadly Nightshade
Atropa belladonna
Joan Simon from Barcelona, España
Tall Bilberry
Vaccinium arbuscula
Wikimedia Commons - Dave Powell, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Deadly Nightshade: Tall herbaceous plant (1-2m), single shiny black cherry-sized berries, star-shaped calyx, large oval leaves, sweet but dangerous taste.
Tall Bilberry: Low woody shrub, berries in clusters with crown/remnant calyx ring, sweet taste.
References (1)
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
