Vaccinium virgatum
Aiton
Rabbit-eye blueberry, Southern black blueberry
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) J. Richard Abbott, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by J. Richard Abbott
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) J. Richard Abbott, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by J. Richard Abbott
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) J. Richard Abbott, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by J. Richard Abbott
Summary
Source: WikipediaVaccinium virgatum (commonly known as rabbit-eye blueberry, smallflower blueberry or southern black blueberry) is a species of blueberry native to the Southeastern United States, from North Carolina south to Florida and west to Texas.
Description
A shrub. It grows 90 cm tall. It has twiggy growth but arching branches. The leaves are narrow and sword shaped. The leaves turn red in autumn. The flowers are white or pale pink.
Edible Uses
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. It is about 5mm in diameter.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It suits cool climates.
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. This species is closely related to V. corymbosum and to V. amoenum. 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
Rabbit-eye blueberry
Vaccinium virgatum
(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.
Rabbit-eye blueberry: Low woody shrub, berries in clusters with crown/remnant calyx ring, sweet taste.
Synonyms
References (5)
- Flowerdew, B., 2000, Complete Fruit Book. Kyle Cathie Ltd., London. p 66
- 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/
- Trehane, J., 2004, Blueberries, Cranberries and Other Vacciniums. Timber Press. p 222
- 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)
