| Rabbiteye Blueberry | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Genus: | Vaccinium |
| Species: | V. virgatum |
| Binomial name | |
| Vaccinium virgatum Aiton |
|
Rabbiteye Blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum, also known as V. ashei) is a species of blueberry native to the Southeastern United States, from North Carolina south to Florida and west to Texas. Other common names include Southern Highbush Blueberry, Southern Black Blueberry, and Smallflower
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Vaccinium virgatum is a deciduous shrub growing to 3 to 6 feet tall and with up to a 3 foot spread.[1] The leaves are spirally arranged, oblanceolate to narrow elliptic, 3 inches long and start out red-bronze in the spring only to develop into a dark-green[1]. The flowers are white, bell-shaped, 5 mm long. The fruit is a berry 5 mm diameter, dark blue to black, bloomed pale blue-gray by a thin wax coating.
Rabbiteye blueberries are self infertile and must have two or more varieties to pollenize each other. Honeybees are inefficient pollinators, and carpenter bees frequently cut the corollas to rob nectar without pollinating the flowers. Rabbiteyes do best when pollinated by buzz pollination by bees, such as the native southeastern blueberry bee, Habropoda laboriosa.
It grows best on acid soil and is subject to few pests and diseases. This blueberry is not self-fruitful, so two compatible varieties should be planted next to each other to maintain growth and fruiting. If maintained with mulching, the berries can handle temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The plants can mature to the height of 3 to 6 feet with a width of up to 3 feet. The plant has little insect or disease problems, however birds and squirrels are prone to eating them.[1]
It is grown as an ornamental plant for its fall colors, typically bright orange or red, and for it's edible properties.[1]
Vaccinium ashei Berries may have pain killing properties (antinociceptive effects).[2] The berries are edible and are used as sauces and syrups, and for breads, muffins, pancakes, and pies.[1]