Hairy Huckleberry

Vaccinium hirsutum

Physical Characteristics

Vaccinium hirsutum is a deciduous Shrub. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile. 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 - S. Tennessee, N. Carolina and N. Georgia..

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[105, 177]. A sweet and pleasant taste according to some reports[3, 182], though others say that it is gritty and insipid[200]. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter[200].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known