Shiny Blueberry

Vaccinium myrsinites

Shiny Blueberry

Bob Peterson from North Palm Beach, Florida, Planet Earth!

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Ericaceae
Genus:
Vaccinium
Species:
Vaccinium myrsinites

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
3-4 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may
Bloom Colors:
White, Pink
Evergreen Shrub:
Yes
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina

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:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Prefers open, sunny habitats; common in pine flatwoods

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.

Notes: Seeds may require light for germination.

Source: OpenAI GPT-4o