Vaccinium simulatum

Small

Upland Highbush Blueberry

Ericaceae Edible: Fruit 51 iNaturalist observations

Has a deadly poisonous lookalike — see comparison below

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Summary

A deciduous shrub growing to 1m tall with hermaphrodite flowers pollinated by insects. Grows best in light sandy to medium loamy, well-drained soils with mildly acid to very acid pH. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil conditions.

Description

A shrub. It grows 1 m tall. It loses its leaves during the year. Possibly now a synonym of Vaccinium corymbosum.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. It has a delicious flavour and is about 10mm in diameter.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Canada, 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 it. Stored seed may need up to 3 months of cold stratification. Alternatively, sow fresh seed in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe. When seedlings reach about 5cm tall, prick them out into individual pots and grow on in a lightly shaded position in the greenhouse for 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 in a frame, though this method is slow and difficult. Layering can be done in late summer or early autumn — though one report favours spring — 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

Upland Highbush Blueberry

Vaccinium simulatum

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

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