Vaccinium caesariense

MacKenzie

New Jersey Blueberry

Ericaceae Edible: Fruit 48 iNaturalist observations

Has a deadly poisonous lookalike — see comparison below

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Summary

Source: Wikipedia

Vaccinium caesariense (New Jersey blueberry) is a Vaccinium species native to the Eastern United States.

Description

Deciduous shrub growing to 1.5 m with hermaphrodite flowers pollinated by insects. Prefers light sandy or medium loamy, well-drained soils in mildly acid to very acid conditions. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun and favors moist to wet soil.

Edible Uses

The fully ripe fruit can be eaten raw or used in jams, pies, jellies, and similar preparations. The fruit measures about 8mm in diameter.

Traditional Uses

The ripe fruit are eaten raw. They are also used in jams, jellies and pies.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

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

Deadly Nightshade

Atropa belladonna

Joan Simon from Barcelona, España

Safe

New Jersey Blueberry

Vaccinium caesariense

Deadly Nightshade: Tall herbaceous plant (1-2m), single shiny black cherry-sized berries, star-shaped calyx, large oval leaves, sweet but dangerous taste.

New Jersey Blueberry: Low woody shrub, berries in clusters with crown/remnant calyx ring, sweet taste.

References (4)

Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 97
Kermath, B. M., et al, 2014, Food Plants in the Americas: A survey of the domesticated, cultivated and wild plants used for Human food in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. On line draft. p 891
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Torreya 10:230. 1910