Vaccinium myrtilloides aka Velvetleaf Huckleberry

Vaccinium myrtilloides is a small, deciduous shrub in the heath family. Common names include Canadian blueberry, sourtop, and velvetleaf blueberry. Its native range spans subarctic North America and the northern United States. It grows in moist heathland and pine woods. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. The plant suits temperate climates and cold northern regions.

This low shrub can form dense thickets. Sources give heights from 1.5 to 2 feet [0.46–0.6 metres]. Its smooth bark stays green or takes on red tones. Young twigs have thick hairs and brown, green, or grey shades. The leaves grow alternately and fall before winter. They vary from oval to egg-shaped, sometimes widest near the tip. Each leaf can reach about 0.17 feet [0.05 metres] long. Fine teeth edge much of the blade. The upper face is green; the paler underside bears hairs. Leaves turn red or purple in autumn.

Small pinkish flowers hang alone from the leaf axils. Their joined petals form an almost round cup. Each flower has both male and female organs. Plants For A Future gives May as the flowering month. Virginia Tech places flowering in late spring. Bees pollinate the blooms. Blue berries ripen in late summer beneath a waxy coating. The fruit tastes tart and can be eaten fresh. Cooks also use it in pies, preserves, or dried stores. The flowers are edible raw or in preserves. Leaves have also served as a tea substitute.

Grow this blueberry in moist soil that drains well. It needs acid ground without lime, ideally pH 4.5–6. Sandy soil or light loam with leaf mould suits it. Lime can make the leaves turn yellow through chlorosis. Full sun or light shade works, but sun improves fruiting. Give it shelter from strong winds. Roots dislike disturbance, so choose its lasting site with care. Plants For A Future reports hardiness to UK zone 2. That rating does not use the RHS H-scale.

A sunny woodland edge offers a suitable garden setting. Its low thickets, autumn colour, and berries provide landscape interest. Plants For A Future records no known hazards for this species. That statement does not establish safety for every possible use. The same source records traditional medicinal uses of leaves and stems. Those reports do not establish that such treatments work or are safe.