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Gaylussacia baccata

Growing Information

Plant Type: Shrub
Sunlight: Sun, Part Shade, Shade
Soils: Dry, moist
Bloom Time: Spring blossoms – April, May, June
Size: 1-2 feet in height

Gaylussacia baccata closely resembles the native blueberry plants (Vaccinium species) with which it grows in the same habitats. However, it can be readily identified by the numerous resin dots on the undersides of the leaves that glitter when held up to the light. Flowers are in dangling groups of 3–7, orange or red, bell-shaped. Berries are dark blue to black when ripe. Berries are sweet and tasty. People and animals eat them raw, jellied, or in baked items.

Garden Companions

Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium), Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), Sassafras (Sassafras albidum), Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)

Nature Benefits

• The fruit and twigs on this shrub are used by many forms of wildlife and attracts birds.
• Many species of butterflies visit the bell-like flowers for nectar.

Native Habitat

Occurs in dry or moist open woods.

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