Vaccinium arctostaphylos aka Caucasian Whortleberry

Vaccinium arctostaphylos is a deciduous shrub in the heather family, Ericaceae. Common names include Caucasian whortleberry, oriental whortleberry, and Broussa tea. Its native range spans southeast Bulgaria, the Caucasus, and northern Iran. It also grows wild in northern Turkey. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. This temperate plant grows on mountain slopes and in woods. Its habitats include fir, spruce, beech, and oak woods. It also grows among rhododendrons and near the tree line.

In gardens, the shrub reaches about 10 feet (3 metres) tall. Its spread reaches about 6.6 feet (2 metres). It loses its leaves for winter. Flowers appear from May to July, and insects pollinate them. Each flower has both male and female organs. The fruit is small and pear-shaped, about 8–10 millimetres across. Seeds ripen in September. A well-sited plant can bear a large crop. Plants have also fruited well in dappled woodland shade.

Give this shrub moist soil that drains well and contains no lime. Sandy or loamy soil suits it. Leaf mould can help provide the conditions it prefers. The stated soil pH range is 4.5 to 6. Lime can cause chlorosis, leaving the plant with yellowed leaves. It grows in full sun or light shade. A sunny site can improve fruiting, though shade need not prevent crops. Shelter it from strong winds. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 5–9.

This species suits woodland gardens, sunny woodland edges, and food forests. Its fruit is edible raw or cooked. The juicy flesh has a mildly sour taste. The leaves can serve as a tea substitute. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards. It lists no known medicinal uses or other non-food uses. Its food value rests on both the berries and the leaves.

Avoid disturbing the roots when planting. Grow young plants in pots before moving them to their final site. Seed can be sown in lime-free compost in a greenhouse. Stored seed may need up to three months of cold treatment. Keep seedlings lightly shaded through their first winter. Plant them out after the last expected frosts. Layering offers another way to raise plants. Half-ripe cuttings are possible, but rooting can be slow and difficult.