Northern highbush blueberry

Northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) is a species of blueberry native to eastern North America, from the Great Lakes region to the Atlantic provinces of Canada and the northeastern United States, extending southward to the Carolinas. It is a perennial, deciduous shrub growing to 2–4 meters (6–12 feet) tall and wide. It is often found in dense thickets. The dark glossy green leaves are elliptical and up to 5 centimeters (2 inches) long. In autumn, these turn a fiery red, orange, yellow, or purple.

The flowers of the Northern highbush blueberry are white, bell-shaped, 5–10 millimeters (0.2–0.4 inches) long. The fruit is a 6–12 millimeters (0.24–0.47 inches) diameter blue-black berry. This plant is cultivated for its fruits, which are commonly eaten fresh or used in baked goods and preserves. It is also grown as an ornamental plant for its fall color.

The Northern highbush blueberry is a commercially significant crop, with the United States being the world's largest producer. The berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, making them a popular health food.

Cultivation

The Northern highbush blueberry requires a well-drained acidic soil, with a pH of 4.0-5.0. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The plants are self-fertile, but cross-pollination by bees increases fruit set and size. The plants are propagated by cuttings, layering, or from seed.

Varieties

There are many cultivars of the Northern highbush blueberry, selected for their fruit quality, plant vigor, yield potential, and disease resistance. Some popular cultivars include 'Bluecrop', 'Blueray', 'Jersey', and 'Patriot'.

Pests and diseases

The Northern highbush blueberry is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including blueberry maggot, cherry fruitworm, and mummy berry disease. Integrated pest management strategies are often employed in commercial production to control these threats.

See also

• Blueberry
• Lowbush Blueberry
• Southern Highbush Blueberry