Pronounced (approximate): vak-SIN-ee-um mer-til-OY-deez
Young stems and leaves are conspicuously hairy. Small pale pink or white flowers hang like bells.
Velvet-leaf Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtilloides): field photograph. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Ericaceae
Life cycle Perennial woody
Blooms June
Height 12 to 20 inches
Habitat part shade, sun; sandy or rocky soil; open woods, rock outcrops, pine barrens, peatlands
Common names: Velvet-leaf Blueberry
Bloom timing varies with latitude, weather and local conditions.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
part shade, sun; sandy or rocky soil; open woods, rock outcrops, pine barrens, peatlands. Flowering season: June.
Lowbush Blueberry has mostly hairless, finely toothed leaves. The foliage is more useful than berry color for identification.
Young stems and leaves are conspicuously hairy.
Small pale pink or white flowers hang like bells.
Leaf margins are generally smooth rather than finely toothed. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
7 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
Native to North America.
Reported U.S. distribution
CT, IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MN, MT, NH, NY, OH, PA, VT, WI, WV
Includes native and introduced state records where listed; a state record does not imply occurrence in every county.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Velvet-leaf Blueberry in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.