Vaccinium formosum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Vaccinium formosum |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Vaccinium
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| Species: |
formosum
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The Vaccinium formosum, also known as the highbush blueberry, is a type of blueberry plant. It's often called the southern blueberry or swamp highbush blueberry. This plant naturally grows in the Southeastern United States.
What is the Highbush Blueberry?
The highbush blueberry is a deciduous shrub. This means it loses its leaves every fall. It can grow quite tall, reaching about 3.96 to 4.57 meters (13 to 15 feet) high.
Its leaves are green and shaped like an oval. They are usually about 2.5 to 7.6 centimeters (1 to 3 inches) long.
When the highbush blueberry blooms, it has pretty whitish-pink flowers. These flowers are shaped like little bells. The fruit is a dark blue berry with a "glaucous bloom," which is a powdery, waxy coating. The plant's stems start out green and become woody as they get older.
The berries from the Vaccinium formosum are safe to eat. You can enjoy them fresh or use them in cooking.
Where Do Blueberries Grow?
The highbush blueberry is native to the Southeastern United States. This means it naturally grows there. You can find it in many states, including:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- South Carolina
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington, D.C.
- Maryland
- Delaware
- New York
Growing Highbush Blueberries
This plant likes to grow in certain places. You'll often find it in marshes and wetlands. It also prefers soils that are a mix of loam and sand.
Highbush blueberries need soil that is a bit acidic. This means the soil has a low pH level. If the soil is too basic (high pH), the plant won't grow or produce many berries.
For the best results, this plant loves full sun. It can grow in partial sun, but it might not produce as much fruit. The berries are usually ready to pick in late spring or summer.
