Vaccinium hirtum
Thunberg
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) onidiras-iNaturalist, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by onidiras-iNaturalist
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Mingyu Sung, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
A deciduous shrub reaching 1m tall, hardy to UK zone 6. Seeds mature September to October. Hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated. Grows in light sandy or medium loamy, well-drained soils with mildly to very acidic pH. Adapts to semi-shade or full sun and requires consistently moist conditions.
Description
A shrub that loses its leaves. It grows 90-120 cm tall and has many branches. The young stems are green and slender. The leaves vary in shape. They can be broadly or narrowly oval or sword shaped. They are 5 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. They are bright green or can have a reddish tinge. They have fine teeth. The flowers can occur singly or in groups of 3 on shoots of the pervious year's growth. The fruit are round or oval and red. They are 8 mm across.
Edible Uses
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. It is about 7mm in diameter.
Medicinal Uses
None known
Known Hazards
None known
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It grows in the mountains near pine forests in Japan. It suits temperate climates and a slightly shaded position.
Where It Grows
Asia, Japan, Russia,
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 Nightshade
Atropa belladonna
Joan Simon from Barcelona, España
Vaccinium hirtum
Vaccinium hirtum
(c) onidiras-iNaturalist, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by onidiras-iNaturalist
Deadly Nightshade: Tall herbaceous plant (1-2m), single shiny black cherry-sized berries, star-shaped calyx, large oval leaves, sweet but dangerous taste.
Vaccinium hirtum: Low woody shrub, berries in clusters with crown/remnant calyx ring, sweet taste.
References (4)
- Chen, B. & Qiu, Z., Consumer's Attitudes towards Edible Wild Plants, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. p 26 www.hindawi.com/journals/ijfr/aip/872413.pdf
- Fl. jap. 155. 1784
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Trehane, J., 2004, Blueberries, Cranberries and Other Vacciniums. Timber Press. p 228
