[NAFEX] blueberries for neutral soil
Stephen Sadler
Docshiva at Docshiva.org
Sun Feb 13 21:25:30 EST 2005
True huckleberries are available. I've tried the Solanum spp annuals, and
was not impressed. Real hucks are very tasty.
Stephen Sadler, Ph.D.
USDA 9, AHS heat zone 8,
Sacramento CA - Mediterranean climate
_____
From: nafex-bounces at lists.ibiblio.org
[mailto:nafex-bounces at lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Louisa Rogoff Thompson
Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2005 2:34 PM
To: nafex at lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: [NAFEX] blueberries for neutral soil
Jim,
I believe all blueberries require very acidic soil, but some of their close
cousins, the huckleberries (Gaylussacia spp.) do not. Around here, black
huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata) grows along with blueberries in extremely
acidic soil, but also grows in neutral soil if some other factor limits
competition, and produces small but sweet berries. This particular plant is
a very low shrubby groundcover, about 6-12" tall and woody. It's quite
attractive, with silver-grey woody stems and exceptional fall foliage. I
believe it is found as far north as Newfoundland and Saskatchewan. Also
dangleberry, Gaylussacia frondosa, a much taller shrub (6-7'), has sweet,
juicy fruit and grows as far north as southern New Hampshire. I don't know
if any true huckleberries (as opposed to Solanum spp.) are available from
fruit nurseries. If not, you could try native plant nurseries.
Louisa Thompson
Columbia, MD
Zone 7a
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