Vaccinium melanocarpum
(C. Mohr.) C. Mohr ex Kearney
Georgia blueberry
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Wikimedia Commons - Daniel J. Layton
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Wikimedia Commons - DouglasGoldman
Summary
Source: WikipediaA deciduous shrub growing to 1.2 m tall, hardy to UK zone 6. Flowers May to June. Hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated. Prefers light sandy or medium loamy, well-drained soils with mildly to very acid pH. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil.
Description
A shrub. It grows 1.2 m tall. It loses its leaves during the year. The fruit are 8-10 mm across.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The fruit, about 8–10mm in diameter, can be eaten raw or cooked.
Traditional Uses
The fruit are eaten raw or cooked.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zone 5-9.
Where It Grows
Mexico, 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 Nightshade
Atropa belladonna
Joan Simon from Barcelona, España
Georgia blueberry
Vaccinium melanocarpum
Wikimedia Commons - Daniel J. Layton
Deadly Nightshade: Tall herbaceous plant (1-2m), single shiny black cherry-sized berries, star-shaped calyx, large oval leaves, sweet but dangerous taste.
Georgia blueberry: Low woody shrub, berries in clusters with crown/remnant calyx ring, sweet taste.
References (1)
- Ferns, Plants for a Future.
