Vaccinium erythrocarpum aka Bearberry

Vaccinium erythrocarpum, southern mountain cranberry, belongs to the heath family, Ericaceae. Kew places its native range in the east-central United States. Plants For A Future lists a wider distribution, including eastern Asia. The two sources therefore differ on its range. Its habitats include thickets, rocky woods, slopes, and summits. It grows in temperate climates and sheds its leaves each year.

This upright shrub branches to form a bushy, spreading shape. Garden plants reach about 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 metres] tall and wide. They take 10–20 years to reach full size. The dark green leaves turn bright red in autumn. Pink to red flowers appear in spring. Round, scarlet fruit follows in summer. The seasonal flowers, fruit, and leaves give it several points of garden interest.

Choose a sheltered spot with sun or partial shade. The soil should hold moisture but let excess water drain. Sandy or loamy soil suits it, provided it stays acidic. The RHS gives a preferred pH of 4.5–5.5. Plants For A Future suggests woodland edges and dappled shade. The RHS rates its UK hardiness as H4. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 5–9. These are separate regional ratings, rather than matching measures of cold tolerance.

The RHS suggests it for informal gardens, borders, and beds. It also lists coastal, city, and courtyard gardens as uses. Older shrubs benefit from regular pruning. Take softwood cuttings in late spring to raise new plants. Semi-ripe cuttings offer another option in early summer. Vine weevil larvae may damage plants, with container plants at greater risk. Birds may take ripe berries; netting can protect the crop. Possible diseases include powdery mildew and root rot. Honey fungus occurs less often. Iron or manganese shortages can cause chlorosis.

The fruit is edible raw or cooked, including in jelly. Reports of taste vary from sour to mild or sweet. Plants For A Future gives its food value three out of five. It reports no known hazards, though this does not establish safety for pets. It also records no known medicinal or other uses. Its main supported roles are as an edible-fruited shrub and garden plant. Plants For A Future does not flag it as weedy.