Family: Ericaceae
Author: Aiton
Bibliography: Hort. Kew. 2: 11 (1789)
Year: 1789
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Vaccinium
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The Hairy Highbush Blueberry, scientifically known as Vaccinium fuscatum, is a notable and distinguished member of the Ericaceae family. First documented in Hortus Kewensis by Aiton in 1789, this plant has etched its position as a prevalent figure within the flora of central and eastern United States.
Vaccinium fuscatum thrives in a range of habitats, favoring the temperate climate zones of the eastern United States. It is adapted to the understory of forests, bogs, and pine barrens, demonstrating a remarkable resilience and adaptability to its environment. The common name, Hairy Highbush Blueberry, refers to its distinctive hairy stems and branches, which provide a unique textural characteristic that sets it apart from other blueberry species.
This plant features an upright growth habit, often reaching substantial heights that can contribute significantly to the forest shrub layer. The leaves of the Hairy Highbush Blueberry are deciduous, alternately arranged, and typically display a pleasing shade of green, turning strikingly to shades of red or purple during the autumn months. The flowers, appearing in spring, are small, bell-shaped, and predominantly white or pale pink, providing a soft contrast to its deep green foliage.
Following the flowering period, the plant produces its eponymous blueberries. These berries, while smaller and darker than those of the more commonly cultivated highbush blueberries, are edible and valued both by wildlife and humans. Birds, insects, and mammals all rely on these berries as a vital food source, illustrating the plant’s integral role in the ecosystem.
Beyond its ecological importance, Vaccinium fuscatum also harbors potential benefits for human consumption and horticulture. While perhaps less known than its commercial cousins, the berries can be used in a variety of culinary applications, such as in jams, jellies, or simply enjoyed fresh. Additionally, the plant’s rugged nature and appealing seasonal changes make it a valuable addition to native plant gardens seeking a blend of aesthetic charm and wildlife support.
In summary, the Hairy Highbush Blueberry exemplifies the richness of North America’s botanical heritage. From its hardy adaptation to eastern U.S. climates to its contribution to local biodiversity, Vaccinium fuscatum continues to capture the interest of botanists, ecologists, and garden enthusiasts alike.
Common Names
Eng: black highbush blueberry, downy swamp-huckleberry, hairy highbush blueberry
En: Hairy highbush blueberry, Downy swamp-huckleberry, Black highbush blueberry, Black Blueberry
Synonyms
- Vaccinium atrococcum f. leucococcum (W.Deane)
- Cyanococcus atrococcus ((A.Gray) Small)
- Vaccinium corymbosum var. atrococcum (A.Gray)
- Vaccinium atrococcum ((A.Gray) A.Heller)
- Cyanococcus fuscatus ((Aiton) Small)
- Vaccinium arkansanum (Ashe)
- Vaccinium corymbosum var. fuscatum ((Aiton) Hook.)
- Vaccinium fuscatum var. pullum (Ashe)
- Vaccinium fuscatum var. angustifolium (Pursh)
- Vaccinium atrococcum var. longianum (Ashe)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Mar 29, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 25, 2022 by Lee Holley (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Mar 29, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Kim Cee (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Mar 29, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 15, 2022 by Rudd (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 25, 2022 by Lee Holley (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Kim Cee (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Mar 29, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Kim Cee (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2882965)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:858940-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Vaccinium fuscatum Aiton)
