Vaccinium virgatum is a deciduousshrub growing to 3 to 6 feet tall and with up to a 3-foot spread.[4] The leaves are spirally arranged, oblate to narrow elliptic, 3 inches long and start red-bronze in the spring only to develop into a dark-green.[4] The flowers are white, bell-shaped, 5 mm long. The fruit is a berry 5 mm diameter, dark blue to black, bloomed pale blue-gray by a thin wax coating. Cytology is 2n = 72.[5]
Berries of Vaccinium virgatum are edible and are used as sauces and syrups, and for breads, muffins, pancakes, and pies,[4] and may have pain killing properties (antinociceptive effects).[6]
Ornamental
Vaccinium virgatum is grown as an ornamental plant, especially for its fall colors, typically bright orange or red.[4]
Cultivation
Vaccinium virgatum grows best on acid soil and is subject to few pests and diseases. Because it is not self-fruitful, two compatible varieties should be planted next to each other to maintain fruiting. If maintained with mulching, it may endure temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The plants mature to heights from 3 to 6 feet, with a width of up to 3 feet. The plant has few insect or disease problems, however birds and squirrels consume its fruit.[4]
^USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Vaccinium virgatum". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 28 July 2015.
^Maria Rosana Ramirez, Leandra Guterres, Odila E. Dickel, Micheli R. de Castro, Amelia T. Henriques, Márcia M. de Souza, Daniela Martí Barros "Preliminary Studies on the Antinociceptive Activity of Vaccinium ashei Berry in Experimental Animal Models." Journal of Medicinal Food. April 2010: 336-342