Species deerberry

deerberry

Vaccinium stamineum

Deerberry, also known as Vaccinium stamineum, is a perennial shrub native to North America. It grows in a variety of different habitats, from open meadows to shaded woodlands. The shrub has an erect growth habit, and will reach heights of up to 3ft. The dark green leaves are oval and have a toothed edge. In the spring, numerous tiny white flowers cover the plant, which are followed by dark purple fruits in the fall. The tart berries are relished by birds, and the shrub provides excellent cover in wildlife areas. Deerberry can be propagated from seed, or via softwood tip or hardwood cuttings.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Layering Propagation,Cutting,Division,Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Greenish white Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Deerberry plants prefer moderately moist soil that is well-drained. Water should be applied when soil begins to feel dry in the top 1-2 inches. Generally, this will be 1-2 times a week, depending on rainfall, temperature, and humidity. Additionally, if the weather is particularly hot or windy, more frequent watering may be necessary. During the winter months, water should be reduced to once every 2-3 weeks.

sunlight

Deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum) is a perennial plant that prefers full sun in order to thrive. Under optimal conditions in regions such as the Southeastern United States, this species needs a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. More sunlight can be beneficial to deerberry plants in planting zones 7 through 9 — up to 12 hours of daily sun in these areas is ideal. During the summer months when the sun’s rays are most direct, deerberry plants should enjoy upward of 14 hours or more of direct sunlight. During periods of high temperatures in the summer, it is important to provide deerberry plants with some shade during the hottest hours of the day to prevent leaf scorch and other damage.

pruning

Deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum) should be pruned in late winter or very early spring, before the shoots appear. Cut back about 1-third of the old and overgrown branches to allow light into the center of the plant, and to encourage the growth of new, fresh branches. If stems are diseased or dead, be sure to remove them completely. Pruning assists in controlling the fertility of the plant. While light pruning can be done annually, heavier pruning should only be done in the late winter or very early spring of every few years.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Deerberry typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map