Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Ericaceae

Genus:

Vaccinium

Species:

Vaccinium ×atlanticum

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

3-4 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar, apr, may, jun

Bloom Colors:

White, Pink

Native Range

United States: Massachusetts, New York

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★☆☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Bee Keystone:

★★★★☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

4.5 - 5.5 (strongly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers habitats like pine barrens and bogs

Germination Information