Common Name: Dwarf Bilberry

General Information

Vaccinium caespitosum is a much-banched, dwarf, deciduous shrub growing from superficial rhizomes and forming a cluster of stems usually 5 - 15cm tall, occasionally to 60cm. The plant can form dense mats of growth in the wild[, , ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental, where it can be used as a ground cover.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Northern and Western N. America - Alaska to Nunavut and Newfoundland, south to California, Mexico and Guatemala, New Mexico, Wisconsin and New York

Habitat

Dry or wet acidic sites; from sea level to 3,800 metres[]. Rocky or gravelly banks in open woods or alpine scrub[, ]. Open, usually dry habitats, from lowland to subalpine areas; at elevations from sea level to 4,500 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	0.10 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Vaccinium caespitosum is hardy to about -30°c[].
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. It is found in the wild on soils that range on pH from 5.8 - 7[]. Succeeds in full sun or light shade though it fruits better in a sunny position[]. Requires shelter from strong winds[].
A dense suckering low-growing shrub[], it spreads rapidly when in a suitable position[]. Very suitable for growing in the rock garden[].
Plants generally do not fruit very freely, even in the wild[].
In the autumn, after the fruit harvest, it was common for native N. American people to burn the areas where the plants grew in order to create a favourable habitat. The fire stimulates new growth, it also creates sunny openings in the forest and edges that foster the rapid spread of nutritious herbs and shrubs that favour the huckleberries[].
This species is closely related to Vaccinium deliciosum[, ].
Dislikes root disturbance, plants are best grown in pots until being planted out in their permanent positions[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , , ]. A deliciously sweet flavour[, , , ]. The fruit can be eaten raw, used in pies, preserves etc, or can be dried for later use[]. A reasonable source of vitamin C[]. The blue, occasionally dull black fruit is about 5 - 9mm in diameter[, ].

A tea is made from the leaves and dried fruits[].

Medicinal

The leaves are antiseptic, astringent, carminative, hypoglycaemic[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant forms a dense mat of growth and so can be used as a ground cover in open places and in the light shade of trees and shrubs[].

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[].