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Description
Gaylussacia Bigeloviana, also known as Blue Huckleberry, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the heath family. It is native to the southeastern United States and can grow up to 10 feet tall, although it usually stays around 3-6 feet. The plant has thin, straight branches with small, oval, dark green leaves that turn red or purple in the fall. It also produces tiny, bell-shaped white or pink flowers that bloom in early summer and edible blue-black berries that ripen in late summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Gaylussacia |
Appearance
Gaylussacia Bigeloviana has a unique appearance with its thin, straight branches and small, oval, dark green leaves that turn red or purple in the fall. The plant also produces tiny, bell-shaped white or pink flowers that bloom in early summer and edible blue-black berries that ripen in late summer. The berries are about 1/4 inch in diameter and have a tart, sweet taste. The plant is deciduous and loses its leaves in the winter.
Care Guide
To take care of a Gaylussacia Bigeloviana, it is important to provide it with the right amount of water, fertilizer, soil, sunlight, and hardiness zones.Water: The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: The plant prefers acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. It also prefers sandy or loamy soil that is well-drained.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gaylussacia Bigeloviana is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. It can also be affected by mites, scale insects, and caterpillars.
Habitat
Gaylussacia Bigeloviana is native to the southeastern United States and can be found in the coastal plains and piedmont regions. It prefers to grow in acidic soil in open woods, bogs, and along stream banks.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Gaylussacia Bigeloviana grow in full shade?
A: While the plant prefers full sun to partial shade, it can grow in full shade, although it may not produce as many flowers or berries.
Q: When is the best time to plant Gaylussacia Bigeloviana?
A: The best time to plant the shrub is in the fall or early spring, when the soil is cool and moist.
Q: Are the berries of Gaylussacia Bigeloviana edible?
A: Yes, the berries are edible and have a tart, sweet taste.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Gaylussacia Bigeloviana?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Gaylussacia Bigeloviana:
- G. baccata (Black Huckleberry)
- G. dumosa (Dwarf Huckleberry)
- G. frondosa (Blue Ridge Huckleberry)
- G. ursina (Bear Huckleberry)
References
- “Gaylussacia Bigeloviana.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b327
- “Gaylussacia Bigeloviana.” North Carolina State University. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/gaylussacia-bigeloviana/
- “Gaylussacia Bigeloviana.” Plant Encyclopedia. https://www.plantencyclopedia.net/plant/gaylussacia-bigeloviana/
