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Physical description: Lowbush blueberry is a low-growing deciduous shrub
with alternating dark green foliage that turns bronze in autumn.
The showy white flowers that are 0.25 inches across, blooms in
May and June, and the seeds ripen in July. The bluish-black fruit,
about 0.25 to 0.5 inches across in diameter, is very sweet. Each
fruit contains numerous tiny nutlets.
Optimal growing conditions: This plant grows best in acidic (pH 4.5 to 6),
organic-rich, and moist but well-drained soil in full sun to
partial shades. Lowbush blueberry will have more flowers, more
fruits, and better fall foliage color in sunnier areas. It tolerates
a wide range of temperature and rainfall; it tolerates temperatures
down to -40°C, but requires shelter from strong winds.
Susceptibility to pests and diseases:
Caterpillars, scale insects, gray
mold, leaf and bud gall, dieback, Phytophthora crown and root
rot, powdery mildew, rust, and witches' broom may cause problems.
This plant is resistant to honey fungus.
Use: Lowbush
blueberry is well suited for shrub borders and groundcover, naturalized
plantings, or a woodland garden. This plant is grown for its
edible fruit, attractive fall color, and to attract wildlife.
Additional Notes: The fruit of this plant is edible. They can be
eaten raw, or cooked. It has a very sweet flavor with a slight
taste of honey. It can also be dried and eaten like raisins.
Also, a tea made from the leaves used as a blood purifier, in
the treatment of infant's colic, and as a tonic after a miscarriage.
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