Vaccinium neglectum

A deciduous shrub reaching 1.5 m tall with hermaphroditic flowers in May, pollinated by insects. Suitable for light sandy or medium loamy, well-drained soils with mildly to very acid pH. Grows in semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil. Hardy to UK zone 9.

Description

A deciduous shrub reaching 1.5 m tall with hermaphroditic flowers in May, pollinated by insects. Suitable for light sandy or medium loamy, well-drained soils with mildly to very acid pH. Grows in semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil. Hardy to UK zone 9.

Edible Uses

The fruit is tart and juicy, about 6mm in diameter, and can be eaten raw or cooked.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a warm temperate plant. It suits USDA hardiness zones 8-11. It grows in dry, rocky open woodlands.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

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 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

Deerberry

Vaccinium neglectum

Wikimedia Commons - DouglasGoldman

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

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

References (1)

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