Dwarf bilberry (Vaccinium cespitosum)

Dwarf bilberry

Dwarf bilberry is famous for its fruit: dark blue blueberries called bilberries or occasionally European blueberries. This small shrub is among many species of the Vaccinium genus that produce these dark-blue berries. They are mostly collected from the wild, but they are small and difficult to pick. Bilberries are usually picked by a berry-picking rake, a tool that often causes damage to plants.

Scientific classification

Species

Dwarf bilberry (Vaccinium cespitosum)

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46 cm

Plant Height

1 cm

Flower Size

White, Pink, Red

Flower Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

0 - 25 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Dwarf bilberry

Attributes of Dwarf bilberry

Growth Rate

Exhibited by dwarf bilberry is a moderate growth rate during the spring and summer seasons. This results in a calculated pattern of leaf proliferation and steady stem elongation. The plant may adjust its rate of photosynthesis to optimize energy usage for growth, facilitating healthy fruiting. Importantly, the balance between adequate growth and stress resistance, characteristic of moderate growth rates, contributes to dwarf bilberry's adaptive capabilities.

Distribution of Dwarf bilberry

Distribution Map

Dwarf bilberry is native to the mountainous regions of North America, where it thrives in subalpine and alpine environments. Although its native range is concentrated in one major region, it has not been widely introduced or cultivated beyond this native habitat. Therefore, its presence remains largely confined to its original locality.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Gravelly or rocky meadows, openings and mountain

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Care Guide for Dwarf bilberry

Every 2-3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 25 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Dwarf bilberry thrives in low moisture environments, requiring watering every 2-3 weeks due to its drought-tolerant nature. As an outdoor plant in cooler climates, it benefits from seasonal rainfall that aligns with its growth cycle and water requirements.

Fertilize: Fertilize dwarf bilberry during the growing season with balanced formulations, shifting to high nitrogen pre-flowering to enhance fruit yield. Apply quarterly around the base and water afterward for absorption. Avoid over-fertilization to promote healthy growth and fruiting.

Pruning: Dwarf bilberry is a hardy shrub that produces edible berries and requires minimal pruning. Prune in early spring to remove dead or overcrowded branches, promoting air circulation and sunlight access. This practice enhances fruit production and overall plant health, ensuring a robust growth and plentiful harvest.

Propagation: Dwarf bilberry thrive in acidic soils. Propagation is best through semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy specimens. Use rooting hormone and a peat-perlite medium for establishment. Maintain consistent moisture and warmth, avoiding waterlogging. Rooting may be slow but results in resilient, true-to-type plants.

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