Evergreen blueberry (Vaccinium myrsinites, Encycl. 1: 73 (1783))

Family: Ericaceae

Author: Lam.

Bibliography: Encycl. 1: 73 (1783)

Year: 1783

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Vaccinium

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. U.S.A.

Description

The evergreen blueberry, known scientifically as Vaccinium myrsinites, is an intriguing and resilient member of the Ericaceae family. This plant was first documented in 1783, as noted in Encycl. 1: 73, by the botanist Lam. It hails from the southeastern regions of the United States, where it thrives in a variety of environments, showcasing its adaptability and hardy nature.

Vaccinium myrsinites is a small, evergreen shrub, often prized for its ornamental value and its capacity to produce edible berries. The plant is characterized by its petite, leathery leaves which maintain a vibrant green color throughout the year, providing consistent foliage even in the colder months. In spring and early summer, clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers bloom, adding an aesthetic appeal to gardens and wild landscapes alike.

One of the most captivating features of the evergreen blueberry is certainly its fruit. The berries, while smaller than those of the more commonly known highbush or lowbush blueberries, are rich in flavor and packed with nutrients. They ripen to a deep blue or black, offering a delightful treat to both wildlife and gardeners.

The evergreen blueberry serves multiple roles in its native habitat. Besides providing food for birds and other wildlife, it also acts as an important ground cover, helping to prevent soil erosion through its dense, spreading roots. Its resilience makes it a suitable choice for challenging garden spots where other plants might struggle to survive.

Gardeners looking to cultivate Vaccinium myrsinites will find that it prefers well-drained, acidic soils, much like its blueberry relatives. It can be successfully grown in full sun or partial shade, making it quite versatile in terms of planting locations. Though it is relatively pest-resistant, attention to maintaining soil acidity and moisture levels will ensure the plant’s health and productivity.

In addition to its practical applications and ecological benefits, the evergreen blueberry holds an aesthetic charm that makes it a desirable addition to both natural landscapes and cultivated gardens. Its year-round greenery and seasonal bounty of flowers and berries offer visual interest and functional value, conforming to a variety of horticultural needs.

In summary, Vaccinium myrsinites, or the evergreen blueberry, is a notable species within the Ericaceae family. Its enduring foliage, flavorful fruit, and adaptability make it a significant plant both in its native SE. U.S.A habitat and in cultivated spaces around the world.

Common Names

Eng: florida evergreen blueberry, evergreen blueberry, shiny blueberry, southern evergreen blueberry
En: Evergreen blueberry, Southern evergreen blueberry, Shiny blueberry, Ground blueberry, Florida evergreen blueberry

Synonyms

• Vaccinium myrsinites var. obtusum (Pursh)
• Vaccinium myrsinites var. lanceolatum (Pursh)
• Cyanococcus myrsinites ((Lam.) Small)
• Vaccinium corymbosum var. myrsinites ((Lam.) Castigl.)
• Vaccinium nitidum (Andrews)
• Vaccinium nitidum var. decumbens (Sims)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• South Carolina (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Feb 25, 2020 by Therese Stewart (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2011 by EOL − Katja Schulz (cc-by)

Taken May 1, 2011 by EOL − Katja Schulz (cc-by)

Taken Mar 22, 2012 by EOL − Bob Peterson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 19, 2013 by EOL − Mary Keim (cc-by-nc-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 3, 2022 by bridget marquez (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2021 by Paris B (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 2, 2022 by Armando Barón (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2020 by Tim Rutland (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 17, 2020 by Tim Rutland (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2022 by Raina J (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 6, 2020 by jesus cuenca casbas (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2013 by EOL − Mary Keim (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 14, 2012 by EOL − Mary Keim (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 17, 2020 by Tim Rutland (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 4, 2015 by EOL − Damon Tighe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 23, 2013 by EOL − Mary Keim (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2008 by EOL − homeredwardprice (cc-by)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2882937)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:261931-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Vaccinium myrsinites Lam.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Shrub

Growth