Highbush Blueberry
Scientific Name: Vaccinium corymbosum L.
Synonym: Vaccinium australe, Cyanococcus corymbosus
Family: Ericaceae
Vaccinium corymbosum, Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 2: 700. Recommended Temperature Zone: sunset: 4-6,17
USDA: 3-8
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Origin: Eastern North America
Growth Habits: Deciduous upright shrub, 5 to 10 feet tall and wide (1.5-3 m); brown, shredding bark, stems with raised dots; simple, elliptical leaves, sometimes with serrated margin, 1 to 2.4 inches long (2.5-6 cm), sometimes slightly pubescent undersides; bright red foliage in the fall
Watering Needs: Needs moist, acidic soil (pH 4.5 to 5.5), tolerates wet soil
Propagation: Seeds, cuttings
The blueberry bush is a very ornamental bush that also produces an abundance of fruit. Unfortunately its cultivation requirements are pretty exacting.
There are a number of cultivars available.
The species epithet 'corymbosum' refers to the type of inflorescence.
Blooming Habits:
Small, white, bell-shaped flowers, 0.32 inch long (8 mm), in clusters (corymbs), appearing in spring with the leaves.
Fruiting Habits:
Small dark blue to black berries, 0.25 to 0.5 inch (6-12 mm) ripening in mid to late summer.
