Farkleberry

Vaccinium arboreum

Physical Characteristics

Vaccinium arboreum is an evergreen Tree growing to 5 m (16ft 5in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

South-eastern N. America - Virginia to Florida, west to Texas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked. Dry and slightly astringent but with a pleasant flavour[82]. Dry and insipid according to another report[183] whilst another says that it is dry, sweet and mealy[227] and yet another says that it is bitter and inedible[200]. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter[200].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Dysentery The berries, root-bark and leaves are very astringent and have been used internally in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery etc[4, 82, 229]. The infusion is valuable in treating sore throats, chronic ophthalmia, leucorrhoea etc[4].

Known Hazards

None known