This species is closely related to the Macaronesian species Vaccinium padifolium, and has been confused with it in gardens in the past[].

Common Name: Caucasian Whortleberry

General Information

Vaccinium arctostaphylos is a much-branched, deciduous shrub or a small tree that usually grows around 2 - 3 metres tall, but can reach 6 metres[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Southeast Eurpoe - Bulgaria; W, Asia - Turkey, Caucasus, Iran

Habitat

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[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a moist but freely-draining lime free soil, preferring one that is rich in peat or a light loamy soil with added leaf-mould[, ]. Prefers a very acid soil with a pH in the range of 4.5 to 6, plants soon become chlorotic when lime is present[, ]. Succeeds in full sun or light shade though it fruits better in a sunny position[]. Requires shelter from strong winds[].
A plant growing in fairly heavy woodland shade at Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucester, England was fruiting very heavily in September 1996, and we have seen several other plants fruiting well in dappled shade[].
Dislikes root disturbance, plants are best grown in pots until being planted out in their permanent positions[].
Closely related to Vaccinium padifolium[], differing mainly in that species usually being evergreen[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

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 black, pear-shaped to globose fruit is small, about 8 - 10mm in size[].

The leaves are a tea substitute[]. When dried they have the appearance and aroma of black tea, though the brew is very different and inferior in flavour. It was known as ‘Broussa tea’[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow late winter in a greenhouse in a lime-free potting mix and only just cover the seed[]. Stored seed might require a period of up to 3 months cold stratification[]. Another report says that it is best to sow the seed in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe[]. Once they are about 5cm tall, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, August in a frame[]. Slow and difficult.
Layering in late summer or early autumn[]. Another report says that spring is the best time to layer[]. Takes 18 months[].
Division of suckers in spring or early autumn[].