Status:
valid
Authors:
Aiton
Source:
cmp
Year:
1789
Citation Micro:
Hort. Kew. 2: 13 (1789)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000422267
Common Names
- Cranberry
- American cranberry
- Large cranberry
Synonyms
- Oxycoccus macrocarpus (Aiton) Pers. [valid]
- Oxycoca berberidacea Raf. [valid]
- Oxycoca macrocarpa (Aiton) Raf. [valid]
- Schollera macrocarpa (Aiton) Steud. [valid]
- Oxycoccus palustris macrocarpos (Aiton) Pers. [valid]
- Schollera macrocarpos (Aiton) Britton [valid]
Description
Vaccinium macrocarpon (also called cranberry, among many other common names) is a small evergreen shrub that is native to North America. It has small, dark green leaves and white flowers. The shrub produces edible red berries. It grows in wet, acidic soils and is often found in bogs and wetlands.
Uses & Benefits
Vaccinium macrocarpon is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a source of food for birds and other wildlife. It is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Vaccinium macrocarpon has small, white or pink flowers that are clustered in a terminal inflorescence. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings have oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Vaccinium macrocarpon is a deciduous shrub that can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a cold frame in early spring and cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer. The plant prefers moist, acidic soils and full sun to partial shade.
Where to Find Vaccinium macrocarpon
Vaccinium macrocarpon can be found in the eastern United States, including the Appalachian Mountains.
Vaccinium macrocarpon FAQ
What is the scientific name of Vaccinium macrocarpon?
Vaccinium macrocarpon
What is the common name of Vaccinium macrocarpon?
Cranberry
What is the natural habitat of Vaccinium macrocarpon?
It is found in moist, acidic soils in open woodlands, bogs, and heaths
Species in the Vaccinium genus
Vaccinium absconditum,
Vaccinium acosta,
Vaccinium acrobracteatum,
Vaccinium acutissimum,
Vaccinium adenandrum,
Vaccinium adenanthum,
Vaccinium adenochaetum,
Vaccinium adenotrichum,
Vaccinium affine,
Vaccinium affinis,
Vaccinium africanum,
Vaccinium agusanense,
Vaccinium aitapense,
Vaccinium alainii,
Vaccinium alaskaense,
Vaccinium alatum,
Vaccinium albicans,
Vaccinium albidens,
Vaccinium almedae,
Vaccinium altiterrae,
Vaccinium altomontanum,
Vaccinium alvarezii,
Vaccinium amakhangium,
Vaccinium amamianum,
Vaccinium amazonicum,
Vaccinium ambivalens,
Vaccinium ambyandrum,
Vaccinium amoenum,
Vaccinium amphoterum,
Vaccinium amplexicaule,
Vaccinium amplifolium,
Vaccinium ampullaceum,
Vaccinium andringitrense,
Vaccinium angiense,
Vaccinium angulatum,
Vaccinium angulatum,
Vaccinium angulosum,
Vaccinium angustifolium,
Vaccinium angustilimbum,
Vaccinium antipodum,
Vaccinium apiculatum,
Vaccinium apophysatum,
Vaccinium appendiculatum,
Vaccinium apricum,
Vaccinium arboreum,
Vaccinium arbutoides,
Vaccinium arctostaphylos,
Vaccinium arcuatum,
Vaccinium ardisioides,
Vaccinium arenarium,
Species in the Ericaceae family