Vaccinium brittonii
Porter ex C. Bicknell
Lowbush blueberry, American Blueberry
gbif· cc-by-nc
University of Southern Mississippi Herbarium (USMS-)
gbif· cc-by-nc
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (ANSP-PH)
gbif· cc-by-nc
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (ANSP-PH)
Summary
Deciduous shrub reaching 2 m tall with hermaphrodite flowers pollinated by insects. Grows well in light sandy or medium loamy soils that are well-drained. Tolerates mildly acid to very acid soil pH. Adapts to semi-shade or full sun and prefers dry to moist conditions.
Description
Deciduous shrub reaching 2 m tall with hermaphrodite flowers pollinated by insects. Grows well in light sandy or medium loamy soils that are well-drained. Tolerates mildly acid to very acid soil pH. Adapts to semi-shade or full sun and prefers dry to moist conditions.
Edible Uses
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
North America, USA,
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a moist but freely-draining lime free soil, preferring one that is rich in peat or a light loamy soil with added leaf-mould. Prefers a very acid soil with a pH in the range of 4.5 to 6, plants soon become chlorotic when lime is present. Succeeds in full sun or light shade though it fruits better in a sunny position. Requires shelter from strong winds. Dislikes root disturbance, plants are best grown in pots until being planted out in their permanent positions. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagation
Sow seed in late winter in a greenhouse using a lime-free potting mix, barely covering the seed. Stored seed may need up to 3 months of cold stratification. Alternatively, sow fresh seed in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe. Prick seedlings out into individual pots once they reach about 5cm tall, and grow them on in a lightly shaded greenhouse position for at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Half-ripe cuttings, 5–8cm with a heel, can be taken in August and rooted 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 sources — and takes 18 months. Suckers can be divided 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
Lowbush blueberry
Vaccinium brittonii
University of Southern Mississippi Herbarium (USMS-)
Deadly Nightshade: Tall herbaceous plant (1-2m), single shiny black cherry-sized berries, star-shaped calyx, large oval leaves, sweet but dangerous taste.
Lowbush blueberry: Low woody shrub, berries in clusters with crown/remnant calyx ring, sweet taste.
Synonyms
References (2)
- Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 41:420. 1914
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
