There has been a lot of confusion over the correct name for this species in the past, it was often referred to as Vaccinium canadense[, ].
In the past, much taxonomic confusion has surrounded the relationship between this species and Vaccinium angustifolium, with this species at times being considered a variety of Vaccinium angustifolium. Plants of intermediate characteristics between the two taxa, which were once delineated as Vaccinium angustifolium var. integrifolium, are now considered to be natural hybrids produced from a Vaccinium myrtilloides and Vaccinium angustifolium cross[]

Common Name: Velvetleaf Blueberry

General Information

Vaccinium myrtilloides is a much-branched, deciduous shrub, suckering to form small, more or less open colonies; it can grow from 10 - 90cm tall[, , ]. Whilst colonies are generally quite small, on favourable sites a single plant has been known to reach 10 metres in diameter[].
The fruit was an important food source for many native American peoples and the plant is still commonly harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine. It is also a component of semi-managed wild stands of blueberries that are harvested on a commercial basis[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

N. America - Northwest Territories to Labrador, south to British Colombia, Montana, Illinois and West Virginia.

Habitat

Moist soils in heaths and pine woods[, ]. Open or disturbed sites in boreal forest, muskegs, bogs, barrens, headlands, outcrops, mountain meadows; at elevations up to 1,700 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Semi-cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Although Vaccinium myrtillides is very cold-tolerant, growing as far north as the Northwest Territories in Canada, the plant can be killed to ground level in very cold weather (resprouting again from the roots in spring) unless it is covered by a blanket of snow. The young growth in spring is also frost susceptible, showing some damage at -1°c and total die-back at -14°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[, ]. Succeeds on infertile sites which might be rich in organinc matter but have relatively small amounts of many essential elements[]. Prefers a very acid soil, succeeding in soils with a pH in the range of 3 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[].
This species hybridizes with a number of other Vaccinium species including Vaccinium boreale, Vaccinium pallidum, Vaccinium darrowii, Vaccinium tenellum, Vaccinium atrococcum, Vaccinium vacillans, and Vaccinium angustifolium[].
The plant is often a compnent of commercially managed areas of blueberries (mainly Vaccinium angustifolium). Where both species are present, yields are often lower than in areas where only Vaccinium angustifolium grows. Cross pollination apparently results in a reduced fruit set[].
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. This practice is followed, though not always every year, in modern commercially managed wild stands. 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 blueberries[, ]. Fruit
production typically declines as clones age - production often peaks 10 - 20 years after fire, just prior to canopy closure[1050.
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 popular wild food, thugh they are more acid than most blueberries with an agreeable piquancy[]. They can be eaten fresh or used in pies, preserves etc[]. The fruit can also be dried for later use[]. The blue, glaucous berries are around 6 - 8mm in diameter[].

The flowers can be eaten raw or used to make preserves[].

The leaves are used as a tea substitute[].

Medicinal

The leaves and stems are contraceptive, diaphoretic and emmenagogue[]. A decoction has been used to treat various complaints of the female reproductive system. It has been used to bring on a delayed period, to prevent pregnancy, to prevent a miscarriage and to slow excessive menstrual bleeding[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is very sensitive to sulphur dioxide pollution and may be a useful indicator for monitoring acid rain[].

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[].