Shiny Blueberry Vaccinium myrsinites

Shiny blueberry is in the Ericaceae (heath) family and is native to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Previously called ground blueberry, the common name was changed in 2018. In its natural habitat it can be found growing in mixed forests, areas of sandy pine scrub, and subtropical pine forests, which include prairies or barrens and at the edges of shrub-tree bogs or bays.   

In some locations shiny blueberry is a prominent understory shrub. Spreading by rhizomes, this plant can colonize, covering large areas. It also forms runners that can spread along the ground when surrounding vegetation is absent, such as from fire or other methods. Often, fire is used as a means of eliminating other vegetation in order for this plant to flourish. Although the foliage is consumed by fire, the underground stolons will survive and sprout. Following such an occurrence, future fruiting will be greatly increased. 

When growing from seed, ideal conditions include placing the seedlings in a greenhouse in some light shade. These conditions should exist through the plants’ first winter. Plant them outdoors in a permanent location after the last frost, late spring into early summer. Lime-free soil is required. Solitary blueberry plants rarely produce fruit. Placing multiple varieties together will result in fruit production.

Shiny blueberry is an important source of food for wildlife. In addition to wildlife, human consumption of the fruit is common, both raw and cooked.

Use shiny blueberries as a border, hedge, or mass planting in edible, pollinator, native, winter, or rock gardens.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  The spreading rhizomes can make the plant weedy in the landscape.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

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