Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Ericaceae

Genus:

Vaccinium

Species:

Vaccinium vitis-idaea

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Subshrub

Height:

6 in - 1 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

jun, jul

Bloom Colors:

Pink

Ground Cover:

Yes

Evergreen Shrub:

Yes

Native Range

United States: Alaska, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Vermont, Wisconsin, 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

Reported Fauna Sightings

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

4.0 - 6.0 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Thrives in cool, temperate climates

Germination Information