Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Ericaceae

Genus:

Vaccinium

Species:

Vaccinium calycinum

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

12-20 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, oct, nov, dec

Bloom Colors:

Red, Yellow, Green

Evergreen Shrub:

Yes

Native Range

United States: Hawaii

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)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained volcanic soil

pH:

4.5 - 5.5 (acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

native to Hawaiian forests, prefers organic matter

Germination Information