American Cranberry, Cranberry

Vaccinium macrocarpon

Physical Characteristics

Vaccinium macrocarpon is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 2 m (6ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor 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 or wet soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America. Occasionally naturalized in Britain[17].

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Ground Cover; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 11, 17, 46, 101]. It can also be dried for winter use[62]. Rich in vitamin C[200], the fruit is too acid for most peoples tastes to be eaten raw, so it is mainly used in pies, preserves etc[183]. It is said that a teaspoon of salt added to the cooking fruit can take the place of half the sugar normally used[183]. The fruit is between 1 and 2cm in diameter[200].

Medicinal Uses

Antineoplastics Appetizer Hypoglycaemic Miscellany Vitamin C An infusion of the branches has been used as a treatment for pleurisy[257].

Known Hazards

None known