How to identify Hillside Blueberry (Vaccinium pallidum)

How to identify Hillside Blueberry (Vaccinium pallidum)

Hillside Blueberry, also known as Early Lowbush Blueberry, Cyanococcus Pallidus

Hillside Blueberry is a deciduous shrub reaching heights and widths of approximately 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) with a naturally rounded form. It is characterized by a low maintenance stature and a high tolerance to drought. This plant is distinguishable by its ability to spread via underground runners, resulting in clumped growth formations. In the fall, the foliage undergoes a striking transformation, showcasing vibrant red to orange hues. While primarily grown for its wildlife value, hillside Blueberry also bears edible berries.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Hillside Blueberry

Bell-shaped white flowers in tight clusters in late spring.

Small, sweet, blue-black berries ripening in mid-summer.

Smooth, yellowish-green stem with warty dots.

Oval leaves with serration potential, turning red in fall.

Slender trunk with smooth green to green-red bark.

Detailed Traits of Hillside Blueberry

Leaf Features

The leaves of hillside Blueberry are oval to ovate, measuring 1-2.25 inches (2.5-5.7 cm) in length and 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) in width. They are medium to yellow-green on the upper surface, while the undersides are pale green, sometimes glaucous, with potential hairs. Leaf margins are entire but may have slight serration near the apex. In fall, they turn vibrant shades of orange to red.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of hillside Blueberry are small, about 1/3 inch (0.85 cm) in size. They are white and have a distinctive bell shape, forming in tight, hanging clusters. These beautiful flowers bloom in late spring, typically from March to April. The arrangement of the petals creates a delicate, elegant appearance, ideal for identification. Their simple structure and subtle charm make them an attractive feature of this plant during their blooming period.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of hillside Blueberry is glabrous and yellowish-green with small warty dots. As the plant matures, older branches become woody and exhibit a color range from red to yellowish-brown. The stem is smooth, lacking hairs, and these distinguishing colors and textures serve as key identification features for hillside Blueberry.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of hillside Blueberry is a small, round berry measuring about 1/4 inch (approximately 6 mm) in diameter. These berries ripen in mid-summer, typically between June and July. They exhibit a rich blue-black color when mature. The surface texture is smooth, with a glossy appearance. As for taste, these berries are known for their sweetness, making them a delightful edible treat. To bear fruit, cross-pollination with male plants is necessary, as female plants alone are not capable of fruit production.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them

Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.