Black Highbush Blueberries are a deciduous shrub in the heath family native to North America. It can be distinguished from other high bush blueberries by the hairs and dingy color of the underside of its leaves and its dark fruits that lack a white (glaucous) coating. Its natural habitats include bogs, pocosins, swamps, wet woods, edges of lakes, and also in uplands. Its prefers moist or wet soils that do not contain lime. Soils high in acid are ideal. It will grow in both full sun and part shade, however, full sun location will yield the most fruits. Sheltering for high winds is desirable. Not liking its roots disturbed, it can be grown in a container until its permanent position has been established. Allow the new plant to have at least one winter in an indoor location, such as a greenhouse. A shady spot in the greenhouse is ideal. Wait until the last frost before relocating to its permanent home. The large, sweet, and juicy fruits can be eaten both raw or cooked. Wildlife also enjoy the fruits. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: None noted. More information on Vaccinium .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Often confused withVaccinium corymbosumVaccinium corymbosum 'Premier'