Velvetleaf Blueberry
Vaccinium myrtilloides

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

A low bush. The upright shoots can be 10-110 cm high. The plant is hairy. There is a soft downy covering on the twigs and leaves. The leaves are long and narrowly oval. They are 2-4 cm long and 1-1.5 cm wide. They are green and downy on both sides and do not have teeth along the edge. The plant loses its leaves during the year. The flowers are white or pale pink. The fruit is blue and 5-8 mm across. The fruit have hairy stems. They occur in clusters.

Where it is found

It is a cold temperate plant. It grows in dry shaded woods and on rocky outcrops. It also grows in bogs.

Countries/locations it is found in

Canada, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh. They are also used in pies, cakes and preserves. They can be dried.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed or from runners from another plant.

Its other names

Local names

Canadian blueberry, Sourtop Blueberry

Synonyms

Vaccinium canadense Kalm ex Richardson;