Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

Elliott's blueberries prefers  to be planted in partial shade. They also need acidic soils and have to avoid any soils with limestone in it. 

Growth Habit/Description:

A small deciduous shrub that bears berries. The leaves are glossy and green with an alternate leaf arrangement. Its bell shaped flowers can be pink and white. Overall a species that grows moderately.

Bloom Season:

Its flowers appear in the spring before the leaves on the wood from last year. 

Fall and/or Winter Interest?

Yes.  Its berries don't fully ripen until the fall. The Elliot's Blueberry's leaves change into crimson, purple, orange colors.

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

Yes.  Elliot's Blueberry is a host plant for the yellow-necked caterpillar moth.

Other Known Ecological Value?

Yes.   It provides shade for smaller birds and animals and has edible berries for birds to disperse.

Origin of Name:  To honor the famous botanist known as Stephen Elliot.

Related Plant Species: Elliot's Blueberry is similer to Darrow's Blueberry, but tends to have larger plants and fruits. Elliot's berries also are more commonly known as a high-bush while Darrow's are low hanging.

Use For Food/Medicine:

These berries have been use to treat fevers, inflammation, and other mild illnesses.

Yellownecked Caterpillars on Blueberries by Paul Pugliese (Growing & Mowing in Bartow County; September 14th, 2020): https://site.extension.uga.edu/bartow/yellownecked-caterpillars-on-blueberries/#:~:text=The%20larvae%20usually%20congregate%20near,before%20they%20cause%20significant%20damage.

North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (North Carolina State University): https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/vaccinium-elliottii/ 

Licoln Parish, LA: https://www.lincolnparish.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/lincoln_parish_park/page/2269/vaccinium_elliottii_elliotts_blueberry_2.pdf

Entry created by Jayden Strong, September 2025.