Deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum)

Deerberry

(Vaccinium stamineum)

mecarr

CC BY 4.0

Image By: mecarr

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Estimated Native Range

Summary

Vaccinium stamineum, commonly known as Deerberry, is a deciduous shrub native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, and dry upland forests in the Eastern and Central United States. It typically grows up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall and is characterized by its multiple twisted trunks with peeling reddish bark, highly branched structure, and thin twigs. The small, bell-shaped flowers have five green sepals and a corolla of five fused white petals, each about half a centimeter long, and are borne in hanging inflorescences from the leaf axils in late spring to early summer. The flowers are not particularly showy but are followed by blue-black berries that are attractive to wildlife.

Deerberry is valued for its wildlife benefits, as the berries provide food for birds and mammals. It is used in naturalistic plantings, woodland gardens, and as part of restoration projects. This shrub is relatively low-maintenance, tolerating a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. It prefers well-drained, acidic soils and is drought-tolerant once established. Deerberry is not commonly afflicted by serious diseases or pests, but it can be susceptible to fungal leaf spots. It is not known for aggressive roots or invasiveness. When grown in optimal conditions, Deerberry can be a subtle addition to a native plant garden, offering ecological value and seasonal interest with its berries.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrub
Height: 5-15 feet
Width: 3-6 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Summer
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Low
Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, 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., Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, and dry upland forests

Other Names

Common Names: Southern-Gooseberry, Tall Deerberry, Squaw Huckleberry, Highbush Huckleberry, Buckberry

Scientific Names: , Vaccinium stamineum, Polycodium stamineum, Vaccinium floridanum, Vaccinium stamineum var. stamineum, Vaccinium neglectum, Vaccinium stamineum var. neglectum, Vaccinium stamineum var. caesium, Vaccinium stamineum var. melanocarpum, Polycodium candicans

GBIF Accepted Name: Vaccinium stamineum L.