Vaccinium tenellum
Aiton
Small-cluster blueberry
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(c) Patrick Coin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
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(c) blakewxb, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by blakewxb
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no rights reserved, uploaded by Austin Pursley
Summary
Source: WikipediaVaccinium tenellum, also known as the small black blueberry or southern blueberry, is a plant species native to the southeastern United States from southeastern Mississippi to northern Florida to southern Virginia. It grows in forests and in shrubby areas at elevations up to 656 ft (200 m). Vaccinium tenellum is a deciduous shrub up to 31 in (80 cm) tall, often forming large colonies. Leaves are elliptic, up to 1.5 in (4 cm) long. Flowers are white or pale pink, cylindrical, up to 3/8 in (10 mm) long. Fruits are very dark blue, almost black, about 1/4 in (7 mm) across. Cytology is 2n = 24.
Description
A compact deciduous shrub reaching 0.3m (1ft) tall, hardy to UK zone 6. Hermaphrodite flowers are insect-pollinated. Prefers light sandy to medium loamy, well-drained soil in mildly acid to very acid conditions. Grows in semi-shade or full sun with moist soil.
Edible Uses
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked, though it has a poor taste and texture. It is about 6–8mm in diameter.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
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. When seedlings reach about 5cm tall, prick them out into individual pots and grow on in a lightly shaded greenhouse position for at least their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Half-ripe cuttings, 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 (though one source suggests spring is preferable) and takes around 18 months. Division of suckers can be carried out 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
Small-cluster blueberry
Vaccinium tenellum
(c) Patrick Coin, 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.
Small-cluster blueberry: Low woody shrub, berries in clusters with crown/remnant calyx ring, sweet taste.
Synonyms
References (2)
- Hort. kew. 2:12. 1789
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
