Bog Blueberry

(Vaccinium uliginosum)

Bog Blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Vaccinium uliginosum, commonly known as Bog Blueberry, is a deciduous subshrub or shrub native to a variety of habitats including moist acidic soils of tundra, alpine areas, and boreal forests across Eurasia and North America. It typically grows to 10–75 cm (4–30 in) tall, and on rare occasions, it may reach 1 m (3.3 ft). The plant is characterized by its brown stems, which contrast with the green stems of the closely related bilberry. Bog Blueberry produces pendulous, urn-shaped, pale pink flowers that are 4–6 mm (0.16–0.24 in) long and bloom in mid-spring. The flowers are modest in appearance but are followed by the notable dark blue-black berries, 5–8 mm (0.20–0.31 in) in diameter, with a white flesh. The berries are edible and sweet when ripe in late summer.

The Bog Blueberry is valued for its edible fruit and is often used in fruit gardens, naturalistic plantings, and as ground cover in suitable climates. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires acidic, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it can suffer from diseases such as fungal leaf spots and root rot if conditions are too wet. In some regions, it can be difficult to establish due to its specific soil and moisture requirements. It is not known for being invasive and is generally considered a beneficial addition to gardens for its fruit and as a food source for wildlife.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 0.7-1.3 feet
  • Width: 0.3-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Purple
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

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., Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Moist acidic soils of tundra, alpine areas, and boreal forests

Other Names

Common Names: Western Blueberry , Northern Bilberry , Bog Bilberry , Mose-Bølle , Sumpf-Heidelbeere , Trunkelbeere , Moosbeere , Rauschbeere , Airelle De Marécages , Myrtille Des Marais

Scientific Names: Vaccinium uliginosum , Vaccinium uliginosum subsp. microphyllum , Vaccinium uliginosum var. nana , Vaccinium uliginosum var. langeanum , Vaccinium uliginosum var. sednense , Myrtillus uliginosa var. microphylla , Vaccinium microphyllum , Vaccinium microphyllum f. langeanum , Vaccinium uliginosum f. langeanum , Vaccinium uliginosum subsp. alpinum

GBIF Accepted Name: Vaccinium uliginosum L.