Vick, Albert F. W.
Vaccinium corymbosum L.
Highbush blueberry
Ericaceae (Heath Family)
This blueberry species is a 6-12 ft. high and wide,
deciduous shrub with numerous upright stems and twiggy branches forming a rounded, compact outline. Reddish-green spring leaves turn blue-green in summer and red, yellow, orange and purple in fall. White or pink, bell-shaped flowers in drooping clusters are followed by edible, blue fruit. A multi-stemmed
shrub with green, or often red, twigs and terminal clusters of small, urn-shaped white flowers.
Our cultivated blueberries have been derived from the tall-growing shrub. It is often found in wet areas, but closely related growths occur in dry sites. These plants are very important to wildlife: their berries are relished by songbirds, game birds, bear, and small mammals; the twigs and foliage are eaten by deer and rabbits. Because of their food value and spectacular red fall foliage, these shrubs are excellent for naturalized landscaping.
Image Gallery:
5 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Shrub Leaf: Green
Autumn Foliage: yes
Flower:
Fruit: Black, Blue
Size Class: 6-12 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink
Bloom Time: May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , GA , IL , IN , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MS , NH , NJ , NY , NC , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VT , VA , WV , WI , DC
Canada: NB ,
NS ,
ON ,
QC Native Distribution: N.S. to s. WI, s. to GA & AL
Native Habitat: Swamps; bogs; dry barrens; oak woods
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet , Moist , Dry
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Wet to dry, acid, rocky soils to organic peats.
Conditions Comments: Extremely susceptible to chlorosis due to alkalinity. Benefits from mulch. Prune after fruiting.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Berries are relished by most birds and mammals. Browsers eat foliage. Attracts 30 species of birds including: American Robin, Eastern Bluebird, Scarlet Tanager, Eastern and Spotted Towhees, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, and Northern Cardinal (Audubon at Home).
Use Food: Fruit edible.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds
2010-06-15
