Vaccinium angustifolium – Common Lowbush Blueberries

Blueberries are native to New England. There are 9 species of blueberries that grow in New England, 4 of which only grow in Northern New England at higher elevations and 1 of which only grows in coastal wetlands.

 

Common Lowbush Blueberries can be found in acidic, gritty soil, growing about 1 foot tall. They often grow in mountainous areas, near pine and conifer trees, or in recently burnt soil. Blueberries like a lot of sun.

Blueberries have alternate, blueish green leaves with a glossy finish. The oval leaves grow on woody branches. The blueberries are smaller than cultivated berries and have a 5-pointed crown on one edge.

 

Blueberries have softer and smaller seeds than huckleberries. Huckleberries will have 10 hard seed-like nutlets inside.

Wild blueberries have 2x the antioxidants of cultivated blueberries. Eating wild blueberries can help to lower cancer risk, slow brain aging, and assist with blood sugar control.

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Written by Amy Demers, founder of the Connecticut Foraging Club. To learn more about foraging in Connecticut, check out our upcoming classes.