Common Name
Deerberry
Plant Form
Shrubs & Small Trees
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
15.0
Width (ft)
6.0 -
12.0
Growth Rate
Medium
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5,
6,
7,
8,
9
Commercially available
Yes
Additional Info
Habitat: Dry to, occasionally, mesic forests and woodlands. Common throughout Virginia.
Wildlife Value: This plant provides nectar for pollinators and supports Brown Elfin (Callophrys augustinus) larvae which have one flight and appear from May to July in the North and March to April in the South. Adult Brown Elfin butterflies feed on flower nectar. Adult butterflies nectar from the blooms. Its fruits are eaten by songbirds, small mammals, ruffed grouse, wild turkeys, deer and black bears. Members of the genus Vaccinium support specialized bees.
Edibility: Berries are edible but sour
Flower Color
Cream/White
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Bloom Time
Spring
Early Summer
Bloom Month
April
May
June
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Moisture Requirements
Moist
Soil Texture
Clay
High organic matter
Loamy
Sandy
Low Maintenance
Yes
Climate-smart plant
Yes
Seed or Fruit eaten by wildlife?
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Top 30 for Butterfly and Moth Caterpillars?
Yes
Number of Lepidotera Species Genus Supports
288
Top 30 for Pollen Specialist Bees?
Yes
Number of Pollen Specialist Bees that Rely on this Genus
14
Tolerates