Sparkleberry
Image by Matt Whitaker
Scientific Description: Sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum) is a semi-evergreen large shrub or a small tree that is the tallest of the blueberry Genus and grows in the southern United States, from Texas to Virginia. It is a member of the Heath (Ericaceae) family, which also includes sourwoods, cranberries, and mountain laurel. It typically grows to about 15 feet, rarely to 30 feet tall. It has conspicuous, white, bell-shaped flowers.
This plant does best in Hardiness Zones 6 through 9. It prefers full sun to partial shade, and acidic, rocky, or sandy soils. This species has no serious insect or disease problems.
This species can be propagated via cuttings or from seed. The cuttings should be made in the spring. The seeds should be harvested in the autumn and stratified (kept in a container at 41oF for 60 – 90 days) before planting.
Image from Matt Whitaker
Habitat Value: The berries of the Sparkleberry are quite shiny (hence the common name), ripen in the late summer, and provide birds (robins, jays, ruffed grouse, and wild turkeys), small mammals, deer, and bear and with a food source. The berries can be eaten by humans but are bitter and gritty.
Image from Mark McKnight
Landscape Value: By Matt Whitaker of WMWA Landscape Architects
Vaccinium arboreum sparkleberry, huckleberry, or sometimes farkleberry, is often abundant in the dry acid forest of the southeast. Its presence often indicates to me a less disturbed, healthier habitat. I have seen it growing in Florida oak hammocks, along the banks of the Tennessee River at Shiloh Battlefield, and on the slopes of Lookout Mountain. It is one of the most handsome understory native species we have and makes an excellent landscape plant, if you are patient. It can be hard to establish and is best planted small. Because of this, it is often hard to find in the horticultural trade, but sources do exist. Its heat and drought tolerance are legendary once it is established, so should have an important place in our landscapes as both increase with climate change.
Sparkleberry’s bright, glossy leaves will turn red to burgundy in the fall, and many will hold on most of the winter, especially when it is a mild one. It has exfoliating bark, which is one of its best characteristics, with rich grey, brown, orange, and red often all present on older plants. In late spring or early summer, plants with some decent sun become covered in showy white bell-shaped flowers. Few plants can compete with a sparkleberry in full bloom with the contrasts between glossy foliage and bright flowers.
For best results, plant in at least a half day of sun with afternoon shade in well-drained soil (think blueberry) with acidic pH, and give it plenty of water for its first two years of establishment. One of the largest specimens I have seen can be found in the first hundred feet or so of the Kiddie Tail at the entrance to Reflection Riding.
Image by cturtletrax at Getty Images
