Blueberries do not grow on trees; they are produced by perennial woody plants known botanically as shrubs. The confusion is understandable because some cultivated varieties can grow surprisingly tall, leading to the common misconception that they are small trees. Regardless of height, the plant structure itself remains fundamentally different from that of a true tree. This distinction is based on the plant’s growth pattern and stem architecture, which places all members of the Vaccinium genus firmly in the shrub category.
The True Identity of Blueberry Plants
Blueberry plants are classified as shrubs, which are woody plants smaller than trees and characterized by a specific growth habit. Unlike a tree that typically develops a single, dominant trunk, a shrub produces multiple stems, often called canes, that emerge from the base near the ground. Blueberries naturally grow as deciduous, multi-stemmed bushes.
The plant belongs to the genus Vaccinium and the heath family Ericaceae, which includes other acid-loving plants. Each blueberry cane is a woody, persistent stem originating from the crown, and the plant’s root system is relatively shallow. This multi-stemmed structure is the defining botanical feature that separates the blueberry from any tree species.
Why Certain Varieties Cause Confusion
Confusion often stems from the towering Highbush varieties, which are common in commercial production. Highbush blueberries, primarily Vaccinium corymbosum, are upright shrubs that can grow between 6 and 12 feet tall, and some cultivars may even reach up to 15 feet. A plant this size can easily be mistaken for a small, multi-trunked tree.
In contrast to these large varieties, Lowbush blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium) are short, ground-covering shrubs that typically reach a height of only 6 inches to 2 feet. The sheer difference in size across the various types of cultivated blueberries contributes to the public’s confusion about their classification.
Basic Requirements for Growing Blueberries
Blueberries require specific environmental conditions. They thrive in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct light daily for optimum berry production. These plants are particular about their soil chemistry, demanding a highly acidic environment with a pH range ideally between 4.0 and 5.5.
Gardeners must address the plant’s multi-stemmed growth through regular pruning, a technique that differs significantly from tree maintenance. Pruning involves removing older, less productive canes and thinning the center of the plant to encourage new growth and maintain air circulation. This removal of older canes from the base ensures the plant continues to produce fruit on younger wood.