Niche Analysis Highbush Blueberry - Vaccinium corymbosum L.

NEEDS HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY YIELDS • Soil - Prefers the acidic soils of the Cape; • Edible berries - Cultivated blueberries can develop chlorosis if soil pH is too have been derived from this tall-growing high. shrub. The berries are flavorful, whether • Light – Versatile shrub that can thrive in eaten from the bush or used in cooking. sun, part shade, or shade. • Foliage - Twigs and foliage provide food • Moisture – Can thrive in dry, moist, or for deer and rabbits. wet conditions.

HUMAN NEEDS CHARACTERISTICS ECOSYSTEM FUNCTIONS • Nutrition - Edible berries that are • Native Distribution: N.S. to s. WI, s. to • Berries – Edible berries are relished by flavorful and high in antioxidants. GA & AL. songbirds, game birds, bear, and small • Aesthetic - Spectacular red fall foliage; a • Native Habitat: Swamps; bogs; dry mammals. great alternative to the invasive Burning barrens; oak woods. • Foliage - Twigs and foliage are eaten by Bush. As the plant ages, the trunk • Size - Can grow up to 6-12 ft. high and deer and rabbits. becomes twisted and gnarled, adding wide. • Birds - Attracts 30 species of birds: interest to the landscape. • Maintenance - Benefits from mulch; American Robin, Eastern Bluebird, • Native Landscapes - Excellent shrub for prune after fruiting. Scarlet Tanager, Eastern and Spotted the native landscape design. • Water Needs - Water use is medium but Towhees, Gray Catbird, Northern can thrive in dry conditions, making it a Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, and good choice if irrigation isn’t feasible or Northern Cardinal. desired. • Pollinators - Attracts native bees, bumble bees, and early season • Light Requirements – Thrives in sun, butterflies. part shade, or shade, making this a versatile shrub for the native landscape design. • Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8); extremely susceptible to chlorosis brought on by alkalinity.