Ground Blueberry: Identifying Characteristics
Habitat:
Ground blueberry grows on wet and dry sites, usually in open places. It can be found in pine flatwoods, on marsh borders, and in fields.
Size/Form:
Ground blueberry is an upright, multi-branched shrub that measures 8" to 24" tall. It commonly forms extensive colonies from rhizomes.
Stem:
The light green stems are slender and ascending. They have a somewhat zig-zagging growth form.
Leaves:
The leaves are simple, alternate, and persistent. They are usually ¼" to ½" long and 1/8" to 1/4" wide, although they may be smaller. They are oblanceolate to elliptic in outline and shiny green to grayish green.
Flowers:
The flowers appear in the springtime and are typical of the family, with fused petals forming a vase or urn shape.
Fruit:
The fruit is a black, round berry, about ¼" wide and often has a white, waxy coating.