Deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum)

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

Vaccinium stamineum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from May to 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall

Flavor & Culinary Uses

delicious with a flavour suggesting gooseberry and cranberry sauce with the slightly bitter aftertaste of grapefruit marmalade. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; The quality varies from shrub to shrub.; When cooked and served cold they are considered to be delicious with a flavour suggesting gooseberry and cranberry sauce with the slightly bitter aftertaste of grapefruit marmalade.; The fruit is about 10mm in diameter.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry woods thickets and clearings. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)