Elliott’s Blueberry
(Vaccinium elliottii)
Elliott’s Blueberry (Vaccinium elliottii)
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mfeaver
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
mfeaver
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CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: mfeaver | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: mfeaver | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-05-02T08:47:55-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Vaccinium elliottii, commonly known as Elliott’s Blueberry, is a deciduous shrub native to pine barrens, open woodlands, and forest edges in the Southeastern United States. It typically grows to a height of 2–4 m (6.6–13.1 ft) and is known for its pale pink, bell-shaped flowers which are 6–8 mm long and bloom in early spring before the new leaves emerge. The plant produces edible berries that are 5–8 mm in diameter, with two variants: one with tart, shiny blue-black berries and another with sweeter berries covered in a whitish waxy bloom. The berries ripen from late spring in Florida through summer in Arkansas and Virginia, offering a large yield of somewhat sour berries.
Elliott’s Blueberry is valued for its late-season fruit production and is often used in naturalistic plantings, wildlife gardens, and for erosion control due to its extensive root system. It is also popular among gardeners for its ornamental qualities, including the attractive spring flowers and the edible fruit. This blueberry requires acidic, well-drained soils and thrives in full sun to part shade. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to pests such as blueberry maggots and diseases like stem blight. To ensure a good crop, it is beneficial to plant more than one shrub for cross-pollination.CC BY-SA 4.0
Elliott’s Blueberry is valued for its late-season fruit production and is often used in naturalistic plantings, wildlife gardens, and for erosion control due to its extensive root system. It is also popular among gardeners for its ornamental qualities, including the attractive spring flowers and the edible fruit. This blueberry requires acidic, well-drained soils and thrives in full sun to part shade. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to pests such as blueberry maggots and diseases like stem blight. To ensure a good crop, it is beneficial to plant more than one shrub for cross-pollination.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 4-6 feet
- Width: 3-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Pine barrens, open woodlands, and forest edges in the Southeastern United States
Other Names
Common Names: High Bush Blueberry, Mayberry
Scientific Names: , Vaccinium elliottii, Cyanococcus elliottii,
GBIF Accepted Name: Vaccinium elliottii Chapm.