The Deerberry [Vaccinium stamineum L. Vaccinium Section Polycodium (Raf.) Sleumer]: A Potential New Small Fruit Crop

Vaccinium stamineum L. is an extremely polymorphic diploid species adapted to acidic dry uplands in eastern North America. It is insect pollinated and has unique floral morphology including open aestivation of flowers in the bud. Plant habit varies from stoloniferous to essentially monostem. Fruit size is large, fruit color and glaucousness extremely variable and the fruit usually falls off the plant (shatters) at maturity. The skin of the fruit typically has a bitter taste although the degree of bitterness varies within and among localities. Flavor, anthocyanins and flavonols of fruits are very similar to cranberry. Unlike cranberry, soluble solids content can be quite high. Elite genotypes for large fruit size, glaucousness, palatability and resistance to fruit shattering have been identified in Lexington County, SC. In the southern US the fruits have been used locally for jams, jellies and pies for many years. It appears that V. stamineum has potential as a new commercial small fruit crop, especially for use in processed products. [Article copies available from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678.]