highbush blueberry

Plant Type

Small Tree/Large Shrub (10-25 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

6-12 ft. tall
6-12 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Dry Soil

Propagation

By seed, By cutting

Plant Propagation Notes

Mostly propagated by softwood cuttings taken in spring.

Plant Planting Notes

Remove flowers when planting and the year after to divert energy to shoot and root production. Like other blueberry species, V. corymbosum requires acid soil, a pH of about 5.0 is ideal.

Plants/Diseases

Highbush blueberry can experience a few insect and disease problems. These include, stem blight, root rot, anthracnose, cane canker, mildew, and botrytis.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

The deciduous leaves are simple, alternate, elliptical to ovate with either entire or serrate margins. Approximately 1-3 inches long

Flowers

The white to pink flowers are bell shaped.

Fruit

The berries mature from green to pink to blue or blue/lavender.

Bark

Light brown to light gray, exfoliating and furrowed.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

Edibility

Fruits are highly desirable for their nutrient and antioxidant content.

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Bogs, wet swamp forests, moist high elevation bogs, balds, and forests.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common in the mountains, but rare in the piedmont.