Florida Evergreen Blueberry, Shiny blueberry

Vaccinium myrsinites

Basic Information

Family: Ericaceae

Genus: vaccinium

Plant ID (slug): vaccinium-myrsinites

Numeric ID: 22211

USDA Hardiness: 6-9

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Vaccinium myrsinites is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June. 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.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked in pies etc[46, 61, 105, 177, 183]. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter[200].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Febrifuge Ophthalmic The leaves are analgesic, febrifuge and ophthalmic[257]. An infusion has been used in the treatment of colds, sun sickness, eye diseases, headaches, high fever and diarrhoea[257].