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Summary
Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Rounded, Weeping.
Physical Characteristics
Vaccinium ovatum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in) at a slow rate.
It is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from October to December. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Plant Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses: Tea
Fruit - raw, cooked or dried for later use[3, 101, 105, 118, 183, 257]. Somewhat sweet but slightly dry[183, 256]. The fruit is quite palatable but is nothing special[K]. A strong flavour, they are usually cooked in pies, preserves etc[177, 183]. The fruit will often hang on the bush until early winter[256]. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter[200]. A tea is made from the leaves and dried fruit[101].
References More on Edible Uses
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.
Antiseptic Astringent Birthing aid Carminative Hypoglycaemic
The leaves are antiseptic, astringent, carminative and hypoglycaemic[172]. An infusion of the leaves and sugar have been given to a mother after childbirth to help her regain her strength[257]. A decoction of the leaves has been used in the treatment of diabetes[257].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
References More on Other Uses
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]. Most species require shelter from strong winds[200], but judging by the native range of this species it might succeed in maritime exposure[K]. Hardy to about -15°c[184]. Plants are sometimes cut back by late frosts[11] A very ornamental plant[60], it is sometimes cultivated for its edible fruit, there are some named varieties[183]. One report says that it does not fruit freely in Britain[11], but a shrub growing in the shade of oak trees at the RHS gardens in Wisley was seen to be heavy with fruit in the autumns of 1987 and 1988[K]. A shade loving plant, growing well in a woodland[182]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. Dislikes root disturbance, plants are best grown in pots until being planted out in their permanent positions[200]. Special Features:North American native, Edible, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
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Plant 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
Native Range
NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (British Columbia (southwest)), United States (Oregon (west), Washington (west), California)
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
Pursh.
Botanical References
1160200
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