Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Ericaceae

Genus:

Vaccinium

Species:

Vaccinium × carolinianum

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

6-8 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

apr, may, jun

Bloom Colors:

White, Pink

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Native Range

United States: North Carolina, Virginia

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:

acidic, well-drained sandy loam

pH:

4.5 - 6.0 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers organic-rich soils typical of forest understory

Germination Information