Edible Blueberries
Blueberries are abundant in Florida and throughout the United States. The majority of varieties that are found in home landscapes have been cultivated from the original native variety highbush blueberry. In Florida, there are five total blueberry species, all of which are edible just like their cultivated counterparts.
Part to eat: Berries
When to gather: Summer and Fall
Where to gather: Species can be found in sandhills, bogs, and swamps depending on the variety.
Wild blueberries typically do not grow as large as cultivated berries, yet this does not make them any less tasty. Wild berries can be expected to have a less consistent sweet taste to them, even among berries that are on the same bush. Some can seem downright sour, like those that are found on the Sparkleberry bushes. Of the five wild blueberry species, they range in height from 2-25 ft. and can be found in a variety of soil types.
Sparkleberry Vaccinium arboreum (6-25ft tall and 4-15ft wide)
This variety prefers growing in part shade in sandy soils. It can handle usually moist to very dry soils. Fruits of this species are considered more sour and not overly tasty.
Highbush Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum (6-12ft tall and 3-5ft wide)
This variety prefers growing in part shade in sandy soils. It can handle usually moist to moist to dry soils. This is the main variety that cultivated species have come from.
Darrow’s Blueberry Vaccinium darrowii (Up to 2ft tall and wide)
This variety prefers growing in full sun and part shade in sandy soils. It can handle usually moist to moist to dry soils. Found occurring near Shiny blueberries. Berry color is blue.
Shiny Blueberry Vaccinium myrsinites (Up to 2ft tall and wide)
This variety prefers growing in full sun and part shade in sandy soils. It can handle usually moist to very dry soils. Found occurring near Darrow’s blueberries. Berry color is black.
Deerberry Vaccinium stamineum (Up to 2ft tall and wide)
This variety prefers growing in part shade in loam and sandy soils. It can handle usually moist to moist to dry soils. Berries can be pink and reddish or blue and dark purple.
Blueberries provide a lovely treat when found and can be used in a variety of ways in the home kitchen. If you stumble upon a patch of wild blueberries, make sure to not take all the berries for yourself. Birds, deer and other wildlife use these berries too in order to sustain them and some berries will inevitably break down into seed and turn into new plants for another generation.
Keep in mind that all plants are edible once. Make sure you are certain on your plant identification and ways that plant may need to be prepared before being consumed. Some plant species have look-a-like species and not all wild and edible plants can be eaten raw. Know your stuff!