Velvet leaf Blueberry

Description

Velvet Leaf Blueberry

Scientific Name:
Vaccinium myrtilloides

Bring the flavour of the wild to your landscape with Velvet Leaf Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtilloides), a hardy native shrub found throughout British Columbia. This low-growing blueberry produces sweet, nutritious berries enjoyed by people, birds, and wildlife alike.

Velvet Leaf Blueberry is well adapted to the dry, sandy, and well-drained soils of Interior BC. Its soft, velvety leaves, delicate spring flowers, and brilliant red fall colour make it an excellent choice for native gardens, restoration projects, pollinator habitats, and edible landscapes.

Growing naturally in open forests, grasslands, and disturbed sites, this resilient species supports biodiversity while providing a delicious seasonal harvest.

Features

• Native to British Columbia and much of Canada
• Produces sweet, edible blueberries
• Attractive white to pink spring flowers
• Brilliant red and orange fall foliage
• Supports native pollinators and wildlife
• Drought tolerant once established
• Ideal for restoration and naturalized landscapes

Growing Information

Mature Height: 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 ft)

Spread: 30 to 90 cm (1 to 3 ft)

Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade

Soil Requirements: Well-drained, sandy, acidic soils

Moisture Requirements: Low to moderate

Hardiness Zone: 2 to 7

Ecological Benefits

Velvet Leaf Blueberry provides nectar for native bees and other pollinators while its berries serve as an important food source for birds, bears, and small mammals. This species is valuable for habitat restoration, erosion control, and enhancing biodiversity in native plantings.

Please note: As a native plant, size and appearance may vary depending on the season and stage of growth.