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Description
Vaccinium Arboreum, commonly known as the farkleberry or sparkleberry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Ericaceae family. This plant is native to the southeastern parts of the United States, from Virginia to Florida and west to Texas. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and has a rounded crown with multiple stems. The farkleberry produces small, white or pink flowers that bloom in the spring, followed by berries that ripen in the fall. These berries are edible and have a sweet and sour taste.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya|| ———- | ———— || Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Tracheophyta || Class| Magnoliopsida|| Order| Ericales|| Family| Ericaceae|| Genus| Vaccinium|| Species| Vaccinium arboreum |
Appearance
The farkleberry has an irregular shape and grows as a shrub or small tree. It has a rough, grayish-brown bark that peels off in thin strips. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and ovate-lanceolate in shape. They are about 2-4 inches long and have serrated edges. The flowers are small, white or pink, and bell-shaped. They grow in clusters at the end of the branches and bloom in the spring. The berries are round, about 1/4 inch in diameter, and have a purple-black color. They are covered with a white waxy coating and have a sweet and sour taste.
Care Guide
The farkleberry is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for your farkleberry:- Water: The farkleberry prefers moist soil but can tolerate drought. Water regularly during the growing season and reduce watering in the fall and winter.- Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer once a year in the early spring to promote healthy growth.- Soil: The farkleberry prefers well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 4.5-5.5. If your soil is not acidic, you can add peat moss or sulfur to lower the pH.- Sunlight: The farkleberry can grow in full sun or partial shade. However, it will produce more berries in full sun.- Hardiness Zones: The farkleberry is hardy in USDA zones 7-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The farkleberry is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, here are some issues to watch out for:- Spider mites: These tiny insects can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.- Scale insects: These pests can cause yellowing and defoliation of the plant. Use horticultural oil to control them.- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and use a fungicide to prevent further spread.
Habitat
The farkleberry is commonly found in wooded areas, swamps, and along streams and rivers. It prefers moist, acidic soil and can tolerate partial shade. This plant is native to the southeastern parts of the United States, from Virginia to Florida and west to Texas.
Question and Answer
Q: Are farkleberries poisonous?
A: No, farkleberries are not poisonous. They are safe to eat and have a sweet and sour taste.
Q: Can farkleberries be grown in containers?
A: Yes, farkleberries can be grown in containers. However, they will not produce as many berries as those grown in the ground.
Q: How often should I fertilize my farkleberry?
A: Fertilize your farkleberry once a year in the early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the best time to prune my farkleberry?
A: Prune your farkleberry in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Related Plants
– Vaccinium ashei (rabbiteye blueberry)- Vaccinium corymbosum (highbush blueberry)- Vaccinium pallidum (dryland blueberry)- Vaccinium tenellum (southern blueberry)
References
– “Vaccinium Arboreum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=l910.- “Vaccinium Arboreum.” Plant Database, University of Connecticut, https://hort.uconn.edu/plants/v/vacarb/vacarb1.html.- “Farkleberry.” North Carolina State University Extension, https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/vaccinium-arboreum/.
