Vaccinium elliottii

Chapm.

Elliott's Blueberry, Mayberry

Ericaceae Edible: Fruit 4,754 iNaturalist observations

Has a deadly poisonous lookalike — see comparison below

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc-nd

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

Vaccinium elliottii (Elliott's blueberry) is a species of Vaccinium in the blueberry group (Vaccinium sect. Cyanococcus). It is native to the southeastern and south-central United States.

Description

Vaccinium elliottii is a deciduous shrub growing to 4 m tall. Hardy to UK zone 6. Flowers in May. Hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated. Requires well-drained light sandy or medium loamy soil with mildly to very acid pH. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun and prefers consistently moist conditions.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. It is about 8mm in diameter.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are eaten fresh. They are used in pies, jellies and jams.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known

Distribution

It is a warm temperate plant.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

Cultivation

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 on in a lightly shaded position in the greenhouse through 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 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

Elliott's Blueberry

Vaccinium elliottii

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

Elliott's 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
Fl. South. U.S. 260. 1860
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 893
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/