Vaccinium macrocarpon: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:26, 15 February 2025

Overview[edit]

Vaccinium macrocarpon, commonly known as the cranberry, is a species of evergreen shrub in the genus Vaccinium and is native to the northeastern regions of North America. It is one of the few commercially grown fruits native to North America and is widely cultivated for its tart, red berries.

Description[edit]

The cranberry plant is a low-growing, trailing vine with small, evergreen leaves. The vines can grow up to 2 meters long and 5 to 20 centimeters in height. The leaves are dark green in summer, turning reddish-brown in winter. The flowers are pink, with distinct reflexed petals, and bloom in late spring to early summer.

Cultivation[edit]

Cranberries are typically grown in bogs, which are wetlands with a layer of sand, peat, gravel, and clay. These bogs are often flooded with water to protect the plants from frost and to facilitate the harvesting process. The berries are harvested in the fall, usually from mid-September to early November.

Uses[edit]

Cranberries are primarily used in the production of cranberry juice, cranberry sauce, and dried cranberries. They are also used in baking and cooking, often as a tart complement to sweet dishes. Cranberries are known for their high antioxidant content and potential health benefits, including urinary tract health.

Ecology[edit]

Cranberries play a role in their native ecosystems by providing food for various wildlife species. The plants thrive in acidic, sandy soils and are adapted to the unique conditions of bog habitats. They are pollinated by bees, which are attracted to the flowers for their nectar.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Vaccinium macrocarpon''', commonly known as the [[American cranberry]], is a species of [[cranberry]] native to North America. It is a member of the [[Ericaceae]] family and the [[Vaccinium]] genus, which also includes other commercially important fruits such as [[blueberries]] and [[huckleberries]].
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Vaccinium macrocarpon}}
+== Overview ==
+[[File:Cranberry_bog.jpg|thumb|right|A cranberry bog in autumn]]
+'''Vaccinium macrocarpon''', commonly known as the [[cranberry]], is a species of evergreen shrub in the genus [[Vaccinium]] and is native to the northeastern regions of [[North America]]. It is one of the few commercially grown fruits native to North America and is widely cultivated for its tart, red berries.
 == Description ==
-The '''Vaccinium macrocarpon''' is a low-growing, trailing [[perennial plant]] that thrives in acidic bogs and swamps. The plant produces small, evergreen leaves and pink flowers that bloom in late spring. The fruit, a [[berry]], matures to a bright red color in the fall. The berries are known for their tart flavor and are a popular ingredient in a variety of food products, including [[cranberry juice]], [[cranberry sauce]], and dried cranberries.
+[[File:Cranberry_bog.jpg|thumb|left|Cranberries growing in a bog]]
+The cranberry plant is a low-growing, trailing vine with small, evergreen leaves. The vines can grow up to 2 meters long and 5 to 20 centimeters in height. The leaves are dark green in summer, turning reddish-brown in winter. The flowers are pink, with distinct reflexed petals, and bloom in late spring to early summer.
 == Cultivation ==
-Cultivation of '''Vaccinium macrocarpon''' primarily occurs in the northern United States and Canada, with significant production in [[Wisconsin]], [[Massachusetts]], [[New Jersey]], [[Oregon]], and [[Washington (state)|Washington]], as well as the Canadian provinces of [[British Columbia]] and [[Quebec]]. The plants require a unique combination of acidic soil, a long dormancy period in the winter, and a growing season with plenty of water and sunshine.
+Cranberries are typically grown in [[bogs]], which are wetlands with a layer of sand, peat, gravel, and clay. These bogs are often flooded with water to protect the plants from frost and to facilitate the harvesting process. The berries are harvested in the fall, usually from mid-September to early November.
 == Uses ==
-In addition to their culinary uses, '''Vaccinium macrocarpon''' berries have been used in traditional [[medicine]] for their potential health benefits. They are rich in [[antioxidants]] and have been studied for their potential to prevent [[urinary tract infections]] and improve heart health. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
+Cranberries are primarily used in the production of [[cranberry juice]], [[cranberry sauce]], and dried cranberries. They are also used in baking and cooking, often as a tart complement to sweet dishes. Cranberries are known for their high [[antioxidant]] content and potential health benefits, including urinary tract health.
+== Ecology ==
+Cranberries play a role in their native ecosystems by providing food for various [[wildlife]] species. The plants thrive in acidic, sandy soils and are adapted to the unique conditions of bog habitats. They are pollinated by bees, which are attracted to the flowers for their nectar.
-== See also ==
+== Related pages ==
-* [[Vaccinium oxycoccos]]
+* [[Vaccinium]]
-* [[Vaccinium vitis-idaea]]
+* [[Berry]]
-* [[Cranberry harvest]]
+* [[Bog]]
+* [[Antioxidant]]
 [[Category:Vaccinium]]
 [[Category:Berries]]
 [[Category:Flora of North America]]
-{{Ericaceae-stub}}
-{{food-stub}}
-{{medicine-stub}}