General Information
Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Moist woods, bogs, flatwoods, edges of wetlands, and acidic sandy soils
Native States: FL, GA, AL, MS, SC, NC, TN, VA, LA
Growing Zones: 7–9
Size at Maturity: 6–12 feet tall, 4–8 feet wide
Phenology: Deciduous
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Moderate
Growth Habit: Upright, woody, multi-stemmed shrub
Bloom Season: Early to mid-spring (March–April)
Bloom Color: White to pinkish
Growth Conditions
Sunlight Requirements: Full to Part
Soil Texture: Sand, loam, acidic, well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic (4.2–5.5 ideal)
Moisture Requirements: Moist to average
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None
Keystone Plant: No
Landscape Considerations
Recommended Landscape Uses: Wildlife gardens, edible landscapes, naturalistic plantings, native borders
Maintenance Tips: Requires acidic soil; prune after fruiting to encourage airflow and berry production
Considerations: Produces best with another Vaccinium species nearby for cross-pollination
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Moderate
Erosion Control: Yes
Nitrogen Fixing: No
Other Information
Edible: Yes
Pet Safe: Yes
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: No
Historical Medicinal Uses: Traditional medicinal use for urinary tract and inflammatory issues
Florida Native Companion Plant: Wax Myrtle, Fetterbush, Inkberry, Red Chokeberry
Wildlife Benefit: Berries attract birds, mammals, and pollinators; flowers provide nectar for bees
Caterpillar Host Plant: Yes – host for Brown Elfin (Callophrys augustinus) and other butterflies