Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) A beloved native fruiting shrub, Vaccinium corymbosum, highbush blueberry, is as beautiful as it is bountiful. In spring, it produces clusters of bell-shaped white flowers that feed native pollinators. By midsummer, it offers sweet, antioxidant-rich berries perfect for fresh eating, baking, preserving, or sharing with the birds. Come fall, the foliage turns brilliant shades of red and orange, adding seasonal color to edible landscapes. Highbush blueberries thrive in acidic, well-drained soil and do best with a little care and mulch. They are self-fertile but produce more heavily when cross-pollinated with another variety or wild type. Excellent for edible hedges, forest edges, and pollinator gardens, they support wildlife at every stage of the season. Details: Height: 5–8 feet Spread: 4–6 feet Light: Full sun to part shade Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic (pH 4.5–5.5) Bloom time: Mid to late spring Fruit: Mid to late summer; sweet, edible berries Pollination: Self-fertile, but better yields with cross-pollination Wildlife value: Flowers feed pollinators; berries feed birds, bears, and other wildlife Zones: 3–7 Native to: Eastern North America
