Vaccinium formosum
Andrews
Swamp highbush blueberry
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Summary
Source: WikipediaVaccinium formosum, with common names highbush blueberry, southern blueberry, southern highbush blueberry, and swamp highbush blueberry, is a species of blueberry native to the Southeastern United States.
Description
A shrub. It grows 4 m tall. Young stems have green bark. Fruit are 7-12 mm across.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked and is well-flavoured. It is a reasonable size, measuring 7–12mm in diameter.
Traditional Uses
Fruit are eaten raw or cooked.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known
Known Hazards
None known
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It suits USDA hardiness zone 5-9.
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. Often cultivated for its edible fruit, there are many named varieties. Spreading by means of suckers, plants often form small colonies. 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
Other Information
It is commonly cultivated.
Notes
An unresolved name in The Plant List.
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
Swamp highbush blueberry
Vaccinium formosum
(c) arivera6, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Deadly Nightshade: Tall herbaceous plant (1-2m), single shiny black cherry-sized berries, star-shaped calyx, large oval leaves, sweet but dangerous taste.
Swamp highbush blueberry: Low woody shrub, berries in clusters with crown/remnant calyx ring, sweet taste.
Synonyms
References (4)
- Bot. Repos. 2: t. 27. 1800
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN). [Online Database] National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. Available: www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/econ.pl (10 April 2000)
- Wiersema, J. H. & Leon, B., 2013, World Economic Plants. A Standard Reference CRC Press. 2nd Ed. p 709
