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Description
Vaccinium Myrtilloides, commonly known as sour top blueberry, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the heath family. It is native to North America, specifically found in the northern parts of the continent in Canada and Alaska. The plant grows up to 1-3 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide, with a compact and rounded shape. It produces small and fragrant white or pink flowers in late spring or early summer, followed by blue-black berries that are edible and have a sour taste.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Vaccinium |
Appearance
The leaves of Vaccinium Myrtilloides are dark green, ovate-shaped, and about 1 inch long. They turn to a red or bronze color in the fall. The plant has a shallow root system, and its branches are thin and flexible. The berries are about 1/4 inch in diameter and have a waxy coating. They grow in clusters, and each cluster can contain up to 20 berries. The sour top blueberry is an attractive plant that can be used as a border or a ground cover in gardens.
Care Guide
Vaccinium Myrtilloides requires well-drained soil that is acidic and rich in organic matter. It prefers partial shade to full sun, and it can grow in USDA hardiness zones 2 to 6. The plant needs regular watering, especially during dry spells, but it should not be overwatered as it can be susceptible to root rot. Fertilization should be done in early spring using an acidic fertilizer.
Common Pests & Diseases
The sour top blueberry can be affected by pests such as aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. It can also be vulnerable to diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. To prevent these problems, it is important to keep the plant healthy by watering it properly, removing any dead or diseased branches, and applying a fungicide or insecticide if necessary.
Habitat
Vaccinium Myrtilloides grows naturally in moist habitats such as bogs, swamps, and coniferous forests. It can also be found in alpine tundra and on rocky slopes. The plant is an important food source for wildlife, including birds, small mammals, and bears. It has been used traditionally by indigenous people for medicinal purposes, including as a treatment for diarrhea and as a poultice for wounds.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Vaccinium Myrtilloides an invasive species?
A: No, it is not considered an invasive species.
Q: Can sour top blueberries be eaten?
A: Yes, the berries are edible but have a sour taste.
Q: What is the best time to prune Vaccinium Myrtilloides?
A: Late winter or early spring is the best time to prune the plant.
Q: How tall can Vaccinium Myrtilloides grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 1-3 feet tall.
Related Plants
- Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry)
- Vaccinium corymbosum (highbush blueberry)
- Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry)
References
- “Vaccinium myrtilloides.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=276408
- “Vaccinium myrtilloides.” Plants of the World Online. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:85995-2
- “Sour Top Blueberry.” USDA Plants Database. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=VAMY
