Southern Mountain Cranberry (Vaccinium erythrocarpum)

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

Vaccinium erythrocarpum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in June. 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. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweetish. — Fruit - raw or cooked and used in jellies etc.; The transparent scarlet berries have an excellent flavour.; Somewhat sour according to one report whilst another says that they can be insipid or sweetish.

Habitat & North American Range

Thickets, rocky woods, slopes and summits. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)