Vaccinium constablaei

A. Gray

Ericaceae Edible: Fruit 21,452 iNaturalist observations

Has a deadly poisonous lookalike — see comparison below

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Summary

Deciduous shrub growing to 1 m with hermaphrodite flowers pollinated by insects, blooming in June and ripening seed by August. Grows well in light sandy or medium loamy, well-drained soils with mildly acid to very acid pH. Adapts to semi-shade or full sun in moist soil.

Description

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked and is considered to have a delicious flavour — reputedly the best-tasting of all the blueberries. It measures about 10mm in diameter.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

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 could succeed outdoors in parts of this 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 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 them on in a lightly shaded greenhouse position for at least their first winter. Plant out 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 — 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

Deadly Nightshade

Atropa belladonna

Joan Simon from Barcelona, España

Safe

Vaccinium constablaei

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

Vaccinium constablaei: Low woody shrub, berries in clusters with crown/remnant calyx ring, sweet taste.