Lowbush Blueberry

(Vaccinium angustifolium)

Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Vaccinium angustifolium, commonly known as Lowbush Blueberry, is a deciduous subshrub native to the open woodlands, forest edges, and barrens of the Central and Eastern United States and Eastern Canada. It typically grows 5 to 60 cm (2 to 24 in) tall and spreads via rhizomes, which can remain dormant for up to 100 years. When conditions are right—with adequate sunlight, soil moisture, and oxygen—these rhizomes will sprout new plants. The leaves are glossy blue-green in summer, turning to striking shades of red in the fall, adding to the plant’s ornamental value. The white, bell-shaped flowers bloom in spring and are followed by small, sweet, dark blue to black berries that are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids. These berries are a valuable food source for wildlife and are also harvested for human consumption.

Lowbush Blueberry thrives in acidic, well-drained soils and is often found in areas that have been cleared by fire, as it is fire-tolerant and can vigorously resprout post-burn. This adaptability makes it suitable for cultivation in a variety of settings, including wild gardens, as ground cover, and in edible landscaping. It is also used in commercial blueberry production. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate part shade, and it requires medium amounts of water. Gardeners should note that while it is low-maintenance, it can spread aggressively in favorable conditions. To encourage fruit production, periodic controlled burns or pruning can mimic the natural fire cycles that benefit this plant.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Subshrub, Shrub
  • Height: 0.5-1 feet
  • Width: 2-5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, forest edges, and barrens

Other Names

Common Names: Sweet Lowbush Blueberry

Scientific Names: , Vaccinium angustifolium, Vaccinium tenellum, Vaccinium pensylvanicum, Vaccinium angustifolium var. laevifolium, Vaccinium angustifolium var. nigrum, Vaccinium lamarckii, Vaccinium brittonii, Vaccinium angustifolium var. hypolasium, Vaccinium angustifolium var. angustifolium

GBIF Accepted Name: Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton