Vaccinium macrocarpon
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Sun to part shade
• Soils: Acidic, nutrient poor, well-draining soil
• Bloom Time: Small pink or white flowers in May and June
• Size: 1-2 feet in height and spread
The signature cranberry bogs of Cape Cod are populated with cultivars of this species. Native to much of the Northeast, and prevalent on the Cape, the American cranberry is perfectly adapted to our sandy soils. While this plant is traditionally seen in agricultural bogs, it actually prefers well-draining sand that is wet occasionally. Cranberry bogs are flooded for easier harvesting, protection against cold weather, and weed control, but not for plant health.
Garden Companions
Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium), Sheep Laurel (Kalmia angustifolia)
Nature Benefits
• Berries provide food for a variety of wildlife.
• Supports specialized bees that need the Vaccinium genus
• Flowers provide nectar to a variety of pollinators.
Native Habitat
Edges of marshes and bogs, shores of rivers or lakes.