Rabbiteye Blueberry, Mirtilo, Mirtilo-rabbiteye
Vaccinium ashei

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 0.9-4.5 m tall and spreads 2 m wide. It mostly loses its leaves but can keep most leaves in mild climates. The leaves are broad and have teeth along the edge. The leaves are papery and 4-8 cm long. The flowers develop while the shrub is almost leafless. The flowers are white or light red. The fruit is purple-black and 12 mm wide. The fruit is edible.

It is a hexaploid plant.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. The chilling requirement is 400-500 chilling hours per winter with temperatures below 7°C. They need an acid soil with pH of 4.5-5.5. They need good drainage and a sandy soil. They are heat and drought resistant. It suits hardiness zones 8-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Brazil, North America, South America, USA (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw. They can also be cooked, dried or used in muffins, jams, pies, pancakes and other foods. The can be used for jellies and juices.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from woody or semi-woody cuttings. Normally a mixture of varieties are planted to encourage cross pollination as self pollination is not always efficient.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Vaccinium corymbosum var. ashei;