Etymology
The name Vaccinium was used in classical Latin for a plant, possibly the bilberry or a hyacinth, and may be derived from the Latin bacca, meaning berry, although its ultimate derivation is obscure. Angustifolium is Latin for “narrow leaf”.
Native Habitat
Acidic, medium-moist meadows, tolerating shade but bearing fruit more abundantly in the sun.
Garden Uses
Groundcover for untrampled, acidic areas, offering delicious fruit to wanderers. Beautiful foliage changes throughout three seasons, transitioning from green in the spring to bright red in the fall.
Overview
Native to acidic alpine and sub-alpine cliffs, balds, and grasslands, this low-growing perennial shrub is fire tolerant and often an early colonizer after wild-fire or planned burning. Also adaptable to challenging soils and used to regenerate disturbed sites. Leading source of commercial blueberries in North America, with berries valued for flavor and nutritional benefits.
Leaves and Stems
Glossy deciduous foliage is deep green in summer and turns a stunning shade of crimson red in autumn. Leaves are simple, less than 1 inch in length, less than 3/4 inch diameter with tiny serrations. Multiple stems from one source are twiggy and multi-branched, typically remaining green or red throughout the winter.
Flowers
Small bell-shaped flowers (1/2 inch or less in length) are white to pink-tinged and grow in clusters at twig tips.
Fruit/Seed
Deliciously edible blue fruits reach up to 1/4 inch diameter. Fruit production is improved with multiple shrubs, sun, and adequate water.
Wildlife Associates
Berries are enjoyed by most birds and mammals. Flowers are pollinated by numerous native insects and provide a special value to bumble bees.
Propagation
Most commonly propagated by softwood cuttings in spring. Will root on one-year old, unbranched hardwood cuttings. Stratifiy seeds 60-90 days at 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Sow seeds in acidic soil.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Edible nutritious fruit is high in antioxidants and Vitamin C.
Garden Location
Library Garden, Performance Hall Garden, Reflection Garden, Staff Entry Garden, Teaching Garden (see garden map)
Anecdotal Information
After mowing was ceased in the old parking lot that was to become the Teaching Garden, low bush blueberry plants became abundant along with grey and paper birch seedlings.
Sources
Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center
Native Plant Trust
Missouri Botanical Garden
Hyam, R. & Pankhurst, R.J. (1995). Plants and their names : a concise dictionary. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-866189-4. p. 515.
Coombes, Allen J. (1994). Dictionary of Plant Names. London: Hamlyn Books. ISBN 978-0-600-58187-1. p. 187.
Plant Profile by Kate O’Dell