Large Cranberry

Scientific name

Vaccinium macrocarpon

Description

The Large Cranberry is a short, evergreen shrub species that grows about 30 cm tall. This small shrub could also be considered a ground cover species because its main stalk grows along the ground and the branches grow erect from this stalk. The leaves are simple, glossy, leathery, and arranged alternately along the branches. During the fall, leaves turn a reddish purple but remain on the plant. Between June and August, tiny pink flowers bloom at the end of the branches. From these flowers, edible, red cranberries form, either individually or in clusters, in the fall. The berries are beneficial to wildlife species like birds and small mammals. Large Cranberry may be difficult to transplant because of its extensive rhizomes system so the location should be considered before planting.

Planting conditions

Large Cranberry grows best in wet or moist conditions with full or partial sun exposure. It prefers acidic, organically rich sandy or loam soil types and may do poorly in alkaline environments. This shrub is naturally found in bogs, marshes, swamps, and along lake or river shorelines.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 1.5m
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Moist
  • Wet
  • Flood Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
• pH:
  • Acidic
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 2a
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
  • 7b
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
  • Ground Cover
• Height:
  • 30 cm
• Spread:
  • 1 m