Blueberries do not grow on trees, but the question often arises because some varieties can grow quite tall, sometimes reaching heights associated with small trees. The commercial marketing of the fruit also contributes to confusion about the plant’s true botanical classification. To understand where these popular berries come from, it is necessary to look at the specific growth habit of the plant that produces them. This analysis examines the plant’s structure, its primary varieties, and its long-term life cycle.
Blueberries Grow on Shrubs
Blueberries do not grow on trees; they are produced by perennial woody shrubs, which are sometimes informally referred to as bushes. The distinction between a tree and a shrub is based on the plant’s structure, specifically the number and size of its woody stems. A tree typically has a single, main trunk with a formed canopy, while a shrub is characterized by multiple stems or canes growing directly from the ground at the plant’s base.
The blueberry plant, classified within the Vaccinium genus, consistently exhibits this multi-stemmed growth habit throughout its life. These plants have a shallow, fibrous root system that supports numerous new shoots emerging from the crown. Because these canes are woody and persist through the winter, the plant is correctly identified as a shrub, regardless of the ultimate height it may achieve. The plant’s structure is a botanical determinant, making the term “blueberry tree” inaccurate.
Defining the Main Varieties of Blueberry Plants
The wide range of sizes in commercial blueberry production is the primary reason for the confusion with trees. The most common type is the Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), which forms the backbone of the commercial industry. Northern Highbush varieties can grow to heights between 3 and 9 feet, but certain cultivars can reach up to 12 feet, leading to their resemblance to small trees.
In contrast, the Lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) is a much shorter plant, rarely exceeding 1.5 to 2 feet in height, often growing wild in northern climates. These varieties are sometimes called “wild blueberries” and produce smaller, more intensely flavored fruit.
The third type is the Rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei), native to the southeastern United States and known for its resilience to heat and drought. Rabbiteye plants frequently reach heights of 6 to 12 feet, further contributing to the misconception that they are tree species.
The Growth Cycle and Longevity of Blueberry Shrubs
Blueberry plants are long-lived perennials, meaning the shrubs return to produce fruit year after year for many decades. Well-maintained plants can remain productive for 30 to over 50 years, establishing a long-term presence in an orchard or garden.
The growth cycle begins with a period of winter dormancy, followed by new shoot growth in the spring. Flower buds for the next season’s fruit production develop on the current season’s growth in the late summer and fall. The plant’s canes only begin to produce fruit after they have matured, typically starting around two years of age. Full commercial production is generally achieved only after the shrubs have been growing for six to ten years.