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Vaccinium stamineum (Deerberry)
1 hour care
per year
per year
3.5m
Max height
Max height
3.5m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Vaccinium stamineum
Other names
Deerberry, Highbush huckleberry, Tall deerberry, Squaw huckleberry, Buckberry, Southern gooseberry, Polycodium stamineum, Vaccinium neglectum, Vaccineum causium, Vaccinium melanocarpum, Polycodium melanocarpum, Polycodium depressum
Genus
Vaccinium Vaccinium
Species
V. stamineum - V. stamineum is a variable, open, branching, deciduous shrub with ovate, pointed, sometimes hairy or waxy, blue- to yellow-green leaves turning reddish-purple in autumn. Clusters of small, bell-shaped, white to greenish-white flowers in late spring and early summer are followed by maroon to dark purple fruit in late summer or autumn.
Vaccinium stamineum is: Deciduous
Habit
Branching, Open stems
Flower
Greenish-white in Spring; Greenish-white in Summer
Foliage
Blue-green in Spring; Blue-green, Yellow-green in Summer; Reddish-purple in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Fruit is a food source for deer and other wildlife.
Specific pests
Caterpillars , Deer , Scale insects Caterpillars , Deer , Scale insects
Foot and root rot Foot and root rot
General care
Propagation
Sow seed in a cold frame in autumn. Layering may require up to 18 months for adequate root development. Divide suckers in spring or early autumn.
Propagation methods
Layering, Seed, Suckers
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Where to grow
Vaccinium stamineum (Deerberry) will reach a height of 3.5m and a spread of 3.5m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Bees (attract & feed bees), Cottage/Informal, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance, Planted in groups, Wildlife, Woodland
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained or well-drained, acid, sandy soil in full sun or partial shade. Drought tolerant once established. May spread by underground runners to form a colony. Leaves become chlorotic in alkaline soil. Fruit is very sour. Though edible, is only palatable when sweetened.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Vaccinium stamineum
Other names
Deerberry, Highbush huckleberry, Tall deerberry, Squaw huckleberry, Buckberry, Southern gooseberry, Polycodium stamineum, Vaccinium neglectum, Vaccineum causium, Vaccinium melanocarpum, Polycodium melanocarpum, Polycodium depressum
Genus
Vaccinium Vaccinium
Species
V. stamineum - V. stamineum is a variable, open, branching, deciduous shrub with ovate, pointed, sometimes hairy or waxy, blue- to yellow-green leaves turning reddish-purple in autumn. Clusters of small, bell-shaped, white to greenish-white flowers in late spring and early summer are followed by maroon to dark purple fruit in late summer or autumn.
Native to
Central North America, Eastern United States
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Branching, Open stems
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Colour
Flower
Greenish-white in Spring; Greenish-white in Summer
Foliage
Blue-green in Spring; Blue-green, Yellow-green in Summer; Reddish-purple in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Fruit is a food source for deer and other wildlife.
Specific pests
Caterpillars , Deer , Scale insects
Specific diseases
General care
Propagation
Sow seed in a cold frame in autumn. Layering may require up to 18 months for adequate root development. Divide suckers in spring or early autumn.
Propagation methods
Layering, Seed, Suckers
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Vaccinium stamineum (Deerberry) will reach a height of 3.5m and a spread of 3.5m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Bees (attract & feed bees), Cottage/Informal, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance, Planted in groups, Wildlife, Woodland
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained or well-drained, acid, sandy soil in full sun or partial shade. Drought tolerant once established. May spread by underground runners to form a colony. Leaves become chlorotic in alkaline soil. Fruit is very sour. Though edible, is only palatable when sweetened.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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