Sparkleberry
Latin Name: Vaccinium arboreum
Species: Plants
Sparkleberry is a coarse, spreading, deciduous shrub or small tree. It usually grows 12-15 ft., but can reach 30 ft. Fragrant flowers resemble tiny, white bells. Inedible, persistent, black berries follow. Shiny, dark-green leaves turn deep-red in the fall. Bark exfoliates and is composed of grays, rich browns, oranges, and reddish-browns. A shrub or tree with a short trunk, an irregular crown of crooked branches, small, glossy, elliptical leaves, and shiny black berries.
This is the tallest of the genus of blueberries, often called huckleberries. The fruit has thin, slightly sweet pulp and large seeds. Although not palatable to humans, the berries are consumed by wildlife.
(SOURCE: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center)
Range & Habitat
Native Distribution: Southeast Virginia, to Southern IN & MO, South to FL & TX
Significance
Use Wildlife: Fruit-birds, Fruit-mammals.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Henry’s Elfin, Striped hairstreak
Additional Resources
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Cold Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Sandy or rocky, acid soils. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Acid-based
Conditions Comments: Sparkleberry leaves may hang on through the winter if the plant is protected from gusty winds. The shrub is susceptible to chlorosis due to highly alkaline sites.