Vaccinium fuscatum
Aiton
Black highbush blueberry, Downy swamp-huckleberry
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(c) J. Richard Abbott, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by J. Richard Abbott
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Eric M Powell, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
Source: WikipediaVaccinium fuscatum, the black highbush blueberry or hairy highbush blueberry, is a species of flowering plant in the heath family (Ericaceae). It is native to North America, where it is found in Ontario, Canada and the eastern United States. Its typical natural habitat is wet areas such as bogs, pocosins, and swamps. Vaccinium fuscatum is an upright deciduous shrub. It can be distinguished from the similar-looking Vaccinium corymbosum by its stems and abaxial leaf surfaces are pubescent with dingy hairs, and its dark colored fruit that lacks a glaucous coating. In addition it has an earlier bloom time, producing flowers in early spring. It is sometimes considered a synonym of Vaccinium corymbosum. Cytology is 2n = 24, 48.
Description
A shrub. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 3.5 m tall. It as several stems growing from the base. The leaves are simple. The leaves are 2-7 cm long by 1-2.5 cm wide. The fruit are 8 mm across.
Edible Uses
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. It is large, sweet, juicy, and very flavourful, measuring about 8mm in diameter.
Traditional Uses
The 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 grows near swamps and on the edges of lakes.It suits USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
Where It Grows
Canada, North America, USA,
Cultivation
Requires a moist or wet 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. Plants are hardy to about -25°c. This species is often cultivated for its edible fruit. Plants are self-sterile, at least two different varieties must be grown if seed is required. Dislikes root disturbance, plants are best grown in pots until being planted out in their permanent positions. Closely related to V. corymbosum. 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 cultivated.
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
Black highbush blueberry
Vaccinium fuscatum
(c) J. Richard Abbott, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by J. Richard Abbott
Deadly Nightshade: Tall herbaceous plant (1-2m), single shiny black cherry-sized berries, star-shaped calyx, large oval leaves, sweet but dangerous taste.
Black highbush blueberry: Low woody shrub, berries in clusters with crown/remnant calyx ring, sweet taste.
Synonyms
References (5)
- Hort. kew. 2:11. 1789
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Toupal, R. S. & Hollenback, K., 2009, An Ethnobotany of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore: Plant Uses of the Ojibwa People. Bureau of Applied Research in Anthropology. University of Arizona
- 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
