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Description
Vaccinium Oxycoccos, commonly known as bog cranberry, is a small, creeping evergreen shrub that belongs to the Ericaceae family. It is native to the northern hemisphere and grows naturally in acidic bogs, marshes, and wetlands. The plant has small, pink or white flowers that bloom in the summer and produce red berries that ripen in the fall. The berries are edible but tart and are often used in jams, jellies, and sauces.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Vaccinium |
Appearance
Vaccinium Oxycoccos is a low-growing shrub that typically reaches a height of only 6-8 inches. The plant has small, ovate leaves that are dark green and glossy on the upper surface, and pale on the underside. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stems and are between 5-15 mm long. The flowers are bell-shaped and have a pink or white hue, and the berries are round and red, measuring between 5-10 mm in diameter. The plant has a shallow root system and spreads through runners, making it an excellent ground cover.
Care Guide
Vaccinium Oxycoccos is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and maintain. Here are some tips for caring for your bog cranberry:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize once a year in the spring with an acid-based fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers acidic soil with a pH of 4.0-5.5.
- Sunlight: Vaccinium Oxycoccos prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 2-6.
Common Pests & Diseases
Vaccinium Oxycoccos is relatively pest and disease-free. However, here are some common issues to watch out for:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves.
- Aphids: These small insects can cause distortion of leaves and stunted growth.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing of leaves and webbing on the plant.
- Botrytis blight: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the flowers and berries.
Habitat
Vaccinium Oxycoccos is native to the northern hemisphere and can be found growing in acidic bogs, marshes, and wetlands. The plant is often used as a ground cover in gardens and landscapes, and it can also be found growing wild in nature. The species is widely distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Question and Answer
Q: Can bog cranberry be grown in a container?
A: Yes, bog cranberry can be grown in a container as long as it has acidic soil and is kept moist.
Q: Can bog cranberry be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, bog cranberry can be propagated from cuttings taken in the spring.
Q: Is bog cranberry deer-resistant?
A: Yes, bog cranberry is deer-resistant.
Q: When is the best time to harvest bog cranberries?
A: The best time to harvest bog cranberries is in the fall when they are fully ripe and have a bright red color.
Related Plants
- Vaccinium macrocarpon (American cranberry)
- Vaccinium vitis-idaea (lingonberry)
- Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry)
- Vaccinium uliginosum (bog bilberry)
References
- Dirr, M. (2009). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses. Stipes Publishing.
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (2021). Vaccinium oxycoccos L. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=VAOX
- University of Minnesota Extension. (n.d.). Bog cranberry. Retrieved from https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-bog-cranberry
