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Summary
Physical Characteristics

Vaccinium myrtilloides is a deciduous Shrub growing to 0.6 m (2ft).
It is hardy to zone (UK) 2. It is in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
V. canadense. Richards.
Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit
Edible Uses: Tea
Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 3, 101, 171, 257]. More acid than most blueberries with an agreeable piquancy[11]. They can be eaten fresh or used in pies, preserves etc[183]. The fruit can also be dried for later use[256]. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter[200]. The flowers can be eaten raw or used to make preserves[257]. The leaves are used as a tea substitute[101].
References
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Contraceptive Diaphoretic Emmenagogue Women's complaints
The leaves and stems are contraceptive, diaphoretic and emmenagogue[257]. A decoction has been used to treat various complaints of the female reproductive system. It has been used to bring on a delayed period, to prevent pregnancy, to prevent a miscarriage and to slow excessive menstrual bleeding[257].
References
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Other Uses
References
Cultivation details
Requires a moist but freely-draining lime free soil, preferring one that is rich in peat or a light loamy soil with added leaf-mould[11, 200]. Prefers a very acid soil with a pH in the range of 4.5 to 6, plants soon become chlorotic when lime is present. Succeeds in full sun or light shade though it fruits better in a sunny position[200]. Requires shelter from strong winds[200]. There has been a lot of confusion over the correct name for this species, it is often called V. canadense[11, 200]. Dislikes root disturbance, plants are best grown in pots until being planted out in their permanent positions[200]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].
References
Temperature Converter
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Propagation
Seed - sow late winter in a greenhouse in a lime-free potting mix and only just cover the seed[78]. Stored seed might require a period of up to 3 months cold stratification[113]. Another report says that it is best to sow the seed in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe[200]. Once they are about 5cm tall, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, August in a frame[78]. Slow and difficult. Layering in late summer or early autumn[78]. Another report says that spring is the best time to layer[200]. Takes 18 months[78]. Division of suckers in spring or early autumn[113].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
Michx.
Botanical References
1143200
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
Readers comment
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Subject : Vaccinium myrtilloides
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