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Blueberry

Blueberries are perennial flowering shrubs in the genus Vaccinium, family Ericaceae, grown for their edible blue or purple berries.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Blueberries are perennial flowering shrubs in the genus Vaccinium, family Ericaceae, grown for their edible blue or purple berries. The term usually refers to several related North American species and cultivated types, especially highbush and lowbush blueberries. They are eaten fresh and used in baked goods, jams, juices, and other processed foods.

Taxonomy and description

Blueberries are plants in the genus Vaccinium, within the family Ericaceae. They are perennial woody shrubs that produce blue to purple berries.

Types and cultivation

Common blueberry types include highbush, lowbush, rabbiteye, and half-high. Cultivation typically requires acidic, well-drained soil and full sun.

Uses and nutrition

Blueberries are consumed fresh or processed into baked goods, jams, preserves, juices, and wine. They are also recognized as a source of fibre, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, iron, and antioxidants.

Distribution and significance

Blueberries are native to North America and are commercially important in both the United States and Canada. British Columbia is a major blueberry-producing region in Canada.

Key facts

  • Blueberries are woody perennial shrubs in the heath family Ericaceae.
  • They belong to the genus Vaccinium and include several related cultivated and wild species.
  • Highbush blueberry is the main commercial type and is native to eastern North America.
  • Lowbush blueberries are also grown commercially, especially in parts of Canada and the northeastern United States.
  • The fruit is noted for fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant content.
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Canadian context

Blueberries are commercially important in Canada, especially in British Columbia, and wild lowbush blueberries are native to eastern and central Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is a blueberry?
A blueberry is a fruit-bearing perennial shrub in the genus Vaccinium, family Ericaceae, grown for its edible berries.
Are blueberries native to North America?
Yes. The main blueberry species used in cultivation are native to North America.
What are the main kinds of blueberries?
The main types include highbush, lowbush, rabbiteye, and half-high blueberries.
What do people use blueberries for?
They are eaten fresh and are commonly used in pastries, muffins, pies, jams, preserves, juices, and wine.
What growing conditions do blueberries need?
Blueberries generally need acidic, well-drained soil and full sun.
Are blueberries nutritious?
They are a source of dietary fibre, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, iron, and antioxidants.

References

  1. Penn State PlantVillage — https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/blueberry/infos
    Supports: Blueberry as Vaccinium corymbosum, Ericaceae family, shrub description, culinary uses, nutritional notes, and highbush production context.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/blueberry-plant
    Supports: Blueberries as North American shrubs of genus Vaccinium, family Ericaceae, edible fruits, and nutrition.
  3. University of Maryland Extension — https://extension.umd.edu/resource/growing-blueberries-home-garden
    Supports: Blueberry plant growth habit, perennial woody shrub description, shallow fibrous roots, and longevity.
  4. U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council — https://blueberry.org/production/
    Supports: North American origin, production regions, and Canadian production in British Columbia.
  5. North Carolina State Extension — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/vaccinium-corymbosum/
    Supports: Highbush blueberry native range, shrub form, habitat, and size.