Overview
Vaccinium stamineum is a bushy fruit edible in the genus Vaccinium, part of the Ericaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Vaccinium stamineum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds and edible fruit.
About
Vaccinium stamineum, commonly known as deerberry, tall deerberry, highbush huckleberry, buckberry, and southern gooseberry, is a species of flowering plant in the heath family. It is native to North America, including Ontario, the eastern and central United States, and parts of Mexico.
About the genus
Vaccinium is a common and widespread genus of shrubs or dwarf shrubs in the heath family (Ericaceae). The fruits of many species are eaten by humans and some are of commercial importance, including the cranberry, blueberry, bilberry (whortleberry), lingonberry (cowberry), and huckleberry. Like many other heath plants, they are restricted to acidic soils.
Wikipedia contributors, "Vaccinium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Vaccinium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Vaccinium
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Vaccinium stamineum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Fruit Edible, Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Edible fruit
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Vaccinium stamineum
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings in late spring, Semi-ripe cuttings in early summer
- Pest resistance
- Vine weevil, especially if container grown
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus (rarely), Powdery mildews, Root rot, Chlorosis due to iron and manganese deficiency
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Vaccinium stamineum?
Vaccinium stamineum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Vaccinium stamineum need?
Vaccinium stamineum grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Vaccinium stamineum hardy in the UK?
Vaccinium stamineum has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Vaccinium stamineum?
Softwood cuttings in late spring, Semi-ripe cuttings in early summer.
