Vaccinium macrocarpon (American Cranberry or Large Cranberry)


Michael's Opinion

A very common shrub that is used in various applications. It has medicinal properties and the fruit is usually used to produce juice to sell to the wholesale market.

Botanical Information

FamilyEricaceae
GenusVaccinium
Speciesmacrocarpon
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginNewfoundland to Saskatchewan south to North Carolina as well as Michigan and Minnesota.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone2 to 6
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone3 to 9
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)40 to -20
Temperature (°F)90 to -10
Height5-15 cm
Spread30 cm-2.1 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodSeptember

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA rather small shrub that produces fruits that many enjoy. It is a very common native plant. It is found from Newfoundland to Saskatchewan south to North Carolina as well as Michigan and Minnesota.
ID CharacteristicAlternate, simple leaves, slightly white underside leaf, shiny dark green in the summer and reddish purple hues in the autumn.
ShapeBox shaped ground cover.
LandscapeA novelty ground cover that can be quite elegant.
PestsNo notable pest or diseases.
HabitatUsually found in bogs or low lying wet areas.
Bark/Stem DescriptionYellowish brown stems that grow in all directions from the crown of the plant.
Leaf DescriptionSimple leaves in an alternate arrangement. They are 3-5 mm and shiny green in the summer turning reddish purple in the autumn.
Flower DescriptionPink flowers are about 8mm across and not very ornamental.
Fruit DescriptionRed berries that ripen in September or October; they are 1-2 cm in length.
Colour DescriptionShiny green leaves turning a reddish purple colour in the autumn.
Texture DescriptionFine during every season.

Photographs