Oval-Leaf Blueberry (Vaccinium ovalifolium)

Oval-Leaf Blueberry

(Vaccinium ovalifolium)

Oval-Leaf Blueberry (Vaccinium ovalifolium)

Walter Siegmund (talk)

CC BY-SA 3.0

Image By: Walter Siegmund (talk)

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Walter Siegmund (talk) | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Wsiegmund | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Vaccinium_ovalifolium_9618.JPG | Notes: {{Information |Description = Vaccinium uliginosum |Source = Taken by author in Vall Farrera (Pirinees) |Date = 6 august 2006 |Author = David Gaya }} |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Vaccinium ovalifolium, commonly known as Oval-Leaf Blueberry, is a deciduous shrub native to cool temperate rainforests, moist coniferous forests, and alpine regions in Northwestern North America, parts of Eastern Canada, and Japan. It typically grows to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall and has a spreading habit. The leaves are broadly oval, and the plant produces pink, urn-shaped flowers that are about 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) in size. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, and the flowers are modestly showy. The dark blue to black berries, sometimes with a waxy bloom, are notable for their use in culinary applications such as jams, jellies, and liqueurs. The foliage can be used to make herbal tea, either from the leaves or the juice of the berries.

The Oval-Leaf Blueberry is valued for its edible fruit and as a wildlife attractant in garden settings. It is suitable for naturalistic plantings and as part of a mixed shrub border, especially in regions with similar climates to its native habitat. It requires acidic soil and benefits from mulching with organic matter. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Regular watering is necessary, particularly during dry periods. This species is relatively low-maintenance but can be susceptible to pests such as aphids and diseases like powdery mildew.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrub
Height: 3-9 feet
Width: 2-7 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Pink, White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, 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., Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Cool temperate rainforests, moist coniferous forests, and alpine regions

Other Names

Common Names: Alaska Blueberry , Early Blueberry , Oval-Leaved Bilberry , Oval-Leaved Blueberry , Oval-Leaved Huckleberry , Airelle Bleue , Airelle À Feuilles Ovées

Scientific Names: Vaccinium ovalifolium , Vaccinium myrtillus , Vaccinium axillare , Vaccinium alaskense , Vaccinium chamissonis , Vaccinium oblatum , Vaccinium jesoense , Vaccinium ovalifolium f. villosum , Vaccinium ovalifolium subsp. villosum , Vaccinium ovalifolium var. villosum

GBIF Accepted Name: Vaccinium ovalifolium Sm.