Vaccinium corymbosum

Vaccinium corymbosum

Vaccinium corymbosum in fruit

Vaccinium corymbosum, commonly known as the northern highbush blueberry, is a species of Vaccinium native to eastern North America. It is an important commercial fruit crop, known for its sweet, edible berries.

Description

Vaccinium corymbosum is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to a height of 1.8 to 3.7 meters (6 to 12 feet). The leaves are elliptical, 3 to 8 cm long, and turn red in the fall. The flowers are bell-shaped, white to light pink, and appear in spring. The fruit is a berry, 5 to 16 mm in diameter, that ripens to a dark blue color.

Distribution and Habitat

This species is native to the eastern United States and Canada, from Maine to Florida, and west to Minnesota and Louisiana. It thrives in acidic soils and is commonly found in woodlands, bogs, and swamps.

Cultivation

Vaccinium corymbosum is widely cultivated for its fruit, which is consumed fresh, frozen, or processed into products such as jams and juices. It requires acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5 and benefits from mulching and regular watering. The plant is also grown as an ornamental for its attractive foliage and flowers.

Uses

The berries of Vaccinium corymbosum are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and dietary fiber. They are known for their antioxidant properties and are used in a variety of culinary applications, including desserts, salads, and beverages.

Related Species

Vaccinium corymbosum is closely related to other species in the genus Vaccinium, such as Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry) and Vaccinium myrtilloides (velvetleaf blueberry).

Related Pages

• Vaccinium
• Blueberry
• Berry

References

• Coville, F. V. (1910). "Experiments in Blueberry Culture." USDA Bureau of Plant Industry Bulletin No. 193.
• Gough, R. E. (1994). "The Highbush Blueberry and Its Management." Food Products Press.
• Eck, P. (1988). "Blueberry Science." Rutgers University Press.