Blueberry bushes are perennial, woody, flowering shrubs belonging to the genus Vaccinium. Native to North America, they are cultivated for their edible berries. Identification relies on observing the plant’s growth pattern, foliage, flowers, and developing fruit, which change appearance throughout the year.
Overall Structure and Growth Habit
Blueberry plants are multi-stemmed, deciduous shrubs that vary widely in size. Height ranges from low-growing varieties, reaching only 6 to 24 inches, to large cultivated bushes that can grow up to 19 feet tall. New shoots, called canes, emerge from a crown at the base. Older stems are typically brown and woody, but new, vigorous shoots often display a reddish or greenish hue. The overall appearance of the bush can be dense and rounded or more open and upright.
Detailed Features of Leaves and Flowers
The leaves are simple, oval-to-lanceolate, and arranged alternately along the stem. They have smooth edges and a leathery texture, appearing glossy and dark green during the summer. Flower buds, which develop in late summer, are visibly plumper than the slender leaf buds. In autumn, the leaves transition into vibrant shades of scarlet or brilliant red.
The flowers appear in spring as clusters of small, drooping blossoms. Each individual flower is distinctive, featuring an urn-shaped or bell-shaped corolla. These blossoms are typically white or pale pink.
How the Fruit Develops and Appears
After the flower petals fall, the fruit begins as a small green sphere. As the berry matures, it progresses through color changes—from greenish-pink to reddish-purple—before ripening to a deep blue or indigo. The berries are typically clustered and range from 5 to 16 millimeters in diameter.
A clear identifying feature of a ripe blueberry is the waxy, white or grayish protective coating known as the “bloom.” Opposite the stem, the berry features a distinct, flared, five-pointed star shape, which is the remnant of the flower’s calyx.
Identifying Different Blueberry Types
The three main commercial types of blueberry bushes differ in growth habit and fruit size.
Lowbush Blueberries
The Lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) is a short, sprawling plant that rarely exceeds two feet, often forming dense mats. Its berries are small but have a concentrated, sweet flavor.
Highbush Blueberries
Highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) are the most widely cultivated. They grow as large, upright shrubs, typically reaching between five and twelve feet tall, and yield the large, juicy berries commonly found in grocery stores.
Rabbiteye Blueberries
Rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium virgatum) are better suited to warmer climates and are often the tallest variety, sometimes growing up to 19 feet. They are named for the characteristic pink color of the fruit just before it fully ripens.