Vaccinium angustifolium ( Blueberry Wild Lowbush) is a deciduous, fruiting plant that is native to the colder climates of Canada and the United States. This species is the most commercially grown wild blueberry species worldwide and is the leading source of commercial Blueberries in North America. It gets its Lowbush name from its low growing growth habits; it is much smaller in height than the other two species; The Rabbiteye Blueberry and the Northern Highbush Blueberry.
This species is the earliest commercially grown Blueberry to ripen. Vaccinium angustifolium has a two-year production cycle. The first year is called the vegetative year and the second is the fruiting year. Many commercial farmers of this species divide their property, so that they continuously have fruiting crops each year.
The fruit is sweet, some say it has a slight honey taste. This is no doubt where it gets its other common name of the ‘Low Sweet Blueberry’.
Suitable for Sub-Arctic, Cold and Temperate climates.
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Growth
Vaccinium angustifolium is a low growing deciduous shrub. It doesn’t grow as tall as other Blueberry species with an average height of between 20-60cm (8-24 inches), it can spread out as wide as it can grow in height, approximately 60cm (2 foot). This species can also spread by underground rhizomes but has not been listed as a potential weed anywhere in the world as far as we have heard.
The leaves of this species are small at around 1.5-3cm (0.8-1.5 inches) long, can look an almost blue green in Summer and turn many shades of red in Autumn. The flowers, like other Blueberries are a lovely little bell shape, white to cream in colour and tiny at 4-6mm (0.15-.23 inches) in size. The fruit is approximately 12mm (0.47 inch) in size and blue-black in colour. Fruiting is quite prolific in this species if the soil and environmental conditions are good.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Ericaceae
CLIMATE:
Alpine, Sub-Alpine, Cold, Temperate.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-45°C to 35°C / -43 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining, sandy loam that is high in organic matter. Blueberries don’t do well in clay soils.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 60cm (2 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 60cm (2 feet)
pH:
4.5-5.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Bisexual, Deciduous shrub.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium.
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees.
MATURITY:
2-4 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
65-86%
GERMINATION TIME:
Cold Stratification – 3 months and then 6-12 weeks germination
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium to Hard. Cold stratification & patience required.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 300
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT VACCINIUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM ( Blueberry Wild Lowbush )
Wild Lowbush Blueberry plants are fire tolerant. Often after a fire, more plants will grow back than were there before, this growth comes from its underground rhizomes.
Blueberries were first introduced to Australia in the 1950s,
Blueberries are well known to have many health benefits. What is a little less known is that the berries are not the only part of this plant that is used medicinally, the leaves are also used in teas. The tea from the leaves of Vaccinium angustifolium are said to induce labour, and can be used after miscarriage as a tonic. This tea is also reportedly a blood purifier.
Just to name a few of the benefits of blueberry plants, they are said to be helpful with some brain disorders, at lowering cholesterol and also to boost your immune system.
