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NC Native Plant Society:
Plant Details

Vaccinium arboreum

Sparkleberry, Farkleberry

Scientific Name:

Vaccinium arboreum

Genus:

Vaccinium

Species Epithet:

arboreum

Common Name:

Sparkleberry, Farkleberry

Plant Type

Tree/Shrub

Life Cycle

Perennial

Plant Family

Ericaceae (Heath Family)

Native/Alien:

NC Native

Size:

0-1 ft., 1-3 ft., 3-6 ft., 6-12 ft., 12-36 ft.

Bloom Color(s):

White

Light:

Part Shade - 2 to 6 hours of sun per day, Less than 2 hours of sun per day

Soil Moisture:

Dry

Bloom Time:

April, May, June

Growing Area:

Mountains, Piedmont, Sandhills, Coastal Plain

Habitat Description:

Rocky or sandy woodlands, bluffs, and cliffs, usually xeric and often fire-maintained, and unlike most other Vaccinium, often on mafic, ultramafic, or calcareous rocks. Rare in NC Mountains, common in Piedmont and Coastal Plain.

Leaf Arrangement:

Alternate

Leaf Retention:

Semi-evergreen

Leaf Type:

Leaves veined, not needle-like or scale-like

Leaf Form:

Simple

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Wildlife Value:

Important for Wildlife

Landscape Value:

Recommended and Available

State Rank:

S5: Secure (*Key)

Global Rank:

G5 - Secure (*Key)

Notes:

fruit eaten by many birds, small mammals, deer and bear. Frequently damaged by deer. Leaves may stay all winter, especially in the southern regions when winds are not strong.

In bloom

image

Paynter, Wilmington, April 2012

Flower close up

image

Leaves

Sparleberry has exceptionally pretty, glossy leaves that are nearly evergreen on the coast.

image

Bark

image

Links:

USDA PLANTS Database Record

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Flora of North America
NC State Extension
 



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