Wild Blueberry

Vaccinium L.

Blueberries are an interesting plant. They grow from the arctic tundra down to USDA Plant Hardiness zone 6. There are many species and sub species of blueberry. I tend to break blueberries into two basic groups. There are the lowbush, and the highbush, blueberries. The lowbush blueberries are most often thought of as "wild blueberries", while the "highbush blueberries" are typically cultivated varieties. I am sure there are exceptions, but for the most part this works well. Blueberries are members of the Vaccinium genus. This genus also contains cranberries, bilberries, and huckleberries. To differentiate the blueberries, Taxonomists further group blueberries into the Section Cyanococcus. This means you might see all blueberries lumped together as Vaccinuim Cyanococcus. For the purpose of this monograph, I will use Carl Linnaeus' original classification "Vaccinium L."

Other Names:
N/A

Range:


Family:
Ericaceae – Heath or Heather family

Growth Type:
Perennial woody shrubs. Members of the heath family

Height:
They range from 2 to 24 inches tall

Leaves:
The leaves are glossy blue green in summer, turning a variety of reds in the fall. The leaf shape is broad to elliptical.

Stem/Trunk:
Woody Stems

Root:
Rhizome

Flower Season:
Early Spring

Flower Appearance:
The flowers are white or pink, bell-shaped, up to 1/4 inch long.

Seed/Fruit:
The fruit is a small sweet dark blue to black berry, full of antioxidants and flavonoids.

Miscellaneous characteristics:
Unlike other berries, blueberries do not have thorns or pickers of any type. Blueberries often grow in dense thickets making them easy to collect in quantity. The main differences between blueberries and huckleberries, besides the taste, are blueberries are typically borne singly on a short stem, while huckleberries are typically borne in a cluster of multiple berries similar to grapes. Huckleberries also typically have much less bloom on their skin.

Habitat:
This plant grows best in wooded areas, old abandoned farmyards or open areas with well-drained acidic soils. In some areas it produces natural blueberry barrens, where it is practically the only species covering large areas.

Parts Used:
The berries are most often used, but Native Americans prized the entire plant for its medicinal value.

Culinary Uses:
Blueberries are packed with vitamins, fiber, manganese, iron, and antioxidants. A 1/2 cup serving of blueberries contain 11 g carbohydrates Fruit - Eaten Fresh, dried, jellies, and jams, juiced. Blueberries make one of the best homemade wines I have ever tasted. It is delicate, yet full bodied.
Leaves - A decoction from the leaves is good for diabetes. It contains neomyrtilicine which has been shown to reduce blood sugar.
Roots - A tea from the roots has been used to facilitate child birth. It stimulates and soothes the uterus.
The leaves and roots have astringent properties as well. Bilberries have been shown to greatly improve night vision. WWII pilots ate bilberry jam before leaving for night missions, and it improved their night vision. Subsequent studies found bilberries contain low levels of anthocyanosides which not only improve night vision, but also help with a wide range of eye problems.

The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.

Energetics
Taste: Sour
Thermal: Cooling
Humidity: Drying

Medicinal Uses:
Blueberries have the highest antioxidant properties of any fruit or vegetable. The anthocyanins contained in blueberries have been shown to have properties effective in preventing cancer and dementia-related diseases. A link has also been found between anthocyanins and urinary tract, heart, and vision health. Regularly consuming blueberries may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease, high blood cholesterol and cancer. They are also proven to combat insulin resistance that has been linked to obesity and diabetes. A decoction of the leaves is said to be an excellent treatment for diabetes. A tea from the roots has been used to facilitate childbirth. It stimulates and soothes the uterus.

Medicinal Actions:
Anti-Inflammatory, Antimutagenic, Antioxidant, Astringent, Bitter, Stimulant, Tonic: Cardiac, Tonic: Uterine