Vaccinium caesariense
{{Short description|Berry and plant}}
{{speciesbox
| name = Vaccinium caesariense
New Jersey blueberry
| image = Wild Blueberries.jpg
| parent = Vaccinium sect. Cyanococcus
| taxon = Vaccinium caesariense
| authority = Mack.
}}
Vaccinium caesariense (New Jersey blueberry) is a Vaccinium species native to the Eastern United States.
Description
Vaccinium caesariense is a perennial plant and a dicot exhibiting a shrub growth habit, meaning it is not likely to grow larger than {{cvt|5|m|ft}} in height, particularly due to its numerous woody stems. During summer, it has simple, small, oval green leaves, which it loses by winter.{{cn|date=September 2024}}
Distribution and habitat
Vaccinium caesariense is native to the Eastern United States, and is especially prominent in the New Jersey area, hence both its common and its scientific name ("Nova Caesarea" being the usual Latin name of New Jersey).{{cite web |title=Vaccinium caesariense |url=https://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=VACA6 |access-date=September 13, 2010 |publisher=United States Department of Agriculture}}{{cite web |author=New England Wildflower Society |title=Vaccinium caesariense Mackenzie (New Jersey highbush blueberry) |url=https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/vaccinium/caesariense/ |access-date=20 April 2019}} It is found in the coastal states from Florida to New Hampshire, almost always in wetlands.{{BONAP|ref|genus=Vaccinium|species=caesariense|access-date=20 April 2019}} Some of its native habitats include pine barrens, upland meadows and woods, ravines, and mountain summits.{{Cite web |title=Vaccinium caesariense |url=https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=VACA6 |access-date=2022-10-16 |website=Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center |publisher=The University of Texas at Austin}}
Cultivation and conservation
In commercial cultivation of Vaccinium caesariense, they are usually planted at the beginning of fall or the end of winter, with organic fertilizers such as manure compost and vermicompost. As the plants develop woody stems irrigation is only needed during very dry periods. The cultivated plants are grown in soil that is accommodating to acidophilic plants.{{cn|date=September 2024}}
New Jersey has developed environmental and agricultural programs to protect and develop the New Jersey blueberry, such as the Blueberry Plant Certification Program and the Phillip E. Marucci Center for Blueberry & Cranberry Research & Extension.{{cn|date=September 2024}}
= New Jersey hybrid =
Although the species is still found growing in natural habitats, most of New Jersey's cultivated blueberries are a hybrid Highbush type. It was first developed by Elizabeth Coleman White, the daughter of a cranberry farmer, and introduced in Whitesbog, Burlington County, New Jersey. During harvest season, New Jersey farmers set up road-side farm stands and sell the fresh blueberries. The hybrid fruit, when frozen, maintains quality and taste upon thawing.
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Commons category-inline|Vaccinium caesariense|Vaccinium caesariense}}
- {{Wikispecies-inline|Vaccinium caesariense|Vaccinium caesariense}}
{{Blueberries}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q7907960}}
Category:Flora of the Northeastern United States
Category:Flora of the Southeastern United States
Category:Plants used in Native American cuisine