Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Ericaceae

Genus:

Vaccinium

Species:

Vaccinium oxycoccos

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Subshrub

Height:

Less than 6 in

Light Requirements:

Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug

Bloom Colors:

Pink

Evergreen Shrub:

Yes

Native Range

United States: Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon

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:

peaty, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

3.0 - 5.5 (strongly acidic to acidic)

Drainage:

poor drainage tolerated

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

commonly found in bogs and wetlands

Germination Information