Caucasian Whortleberry (Vaccinium arctostaphylos)

Family: Ericaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Vaccinium arctostaphylos is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 2 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour, it makes an acceptable fruit to nibble on, though it is nothing special. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; The fruit is juicy with a slightly acid flavour, it makes an acceptable fruit to nibble on, though it is nothing special.; The fruit is usually produced abundantly when the plant is well sited.; The pear-shaped fruit is small, about 8 - 10mm in size.

Habitat & North American Range

Mountain slopes, fir/spruce or fir/beech woods, rhododendron thickets, occasionally in oak forests and near the timber line in stands of birch and occasionally of pine. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)