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Description
Vaccinium Stamineum, also known as Deerberry, Squaw Huckleberry, and Squawberry, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Ericaceae family. It is native to eastern North America and can grow up to 10 feet tall. The plant’s leaves are elliptical or lance-shaped, with a glossy green appearance on the upper surface and a pale green color on the underside. Its flowers are white, pink, or red, and bloom in the spring, while its fruit is a small, round, blue-black berry that matures in late summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Vaccinium |
Appearance
Deerberry shrubs can grow up to 10 feet tall and 5 feet wide. The plant’s leaves are elliptical or lance-shaped, with a glossy green appearance on the upper surface and a pale green color on the underside. The flowers are white, pink, or red, and bloom in the spring. The fruit is a small, round, blue-black berry that matures in late summer.
Care Guide
To care for Vaccinium Stamineum, follow these guidelines:Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring before new growth begins.Soil: The plant prefers acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. It also prefers well-draining soil.Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun.Hardiness Zones: Vaccinium Stamineum grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Deerberry shrubs are generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain pests and diseases. Some common pests include spider mites, scale insects, and aphids. To prevent these pests from infesting the plant, keep it well-watered and fertilized. Some common diseases that can affect the plant include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. To prevent these diseases, keep the plant in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Vaccinium Stamineum is native to eastern North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodland edges, and rocky slopes. It prefers acidic soil and partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Vaccinium Stamineum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers as long as it is well-watered and fertilized.
Q: When is the best time to prune Deerberry shrubs?
A: The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Q: How often should Vaccinium Stamineum be fertilized?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring before new growth begins.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Vaccinium Stamineum?
A: It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that are also members of the Vaccinium genus:
- Vaccinium corymbosum (Blueberry)
- Vaccinium macrocarpon (Cranberry)
- Vaccinium myrtillus (Bilberry)
- Vaccinium uliginosum (Bog Blueberry)
References
- “Vaccinium stamineum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 24 August 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282281&isprofile=0&basic=vaccinium%20stamineum
- “Deerberry.” North Carolina State University. Accessed 24 August 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/vaccinium-stamineum/
- “Vaccinium stamineum.” University of Connecticut Plant Database. Accessed 24 August 2021. https://plantdatabase.uconn.edu/plant.php?id=24
