Vaccinium caesariense
Vaccinium caesariense is a Vaccinium species native to the Eastern United States.
Description
Vaccinium caesariense is a perennial plant and a dicot exhibiting a shrub growth habit, meaning it is not likely to grow larger than in height, particularly due to its numerous woody stems. During summer, it has simple, small, oval green leaves, which it loses by winter.Distribution and habitat
Vaccinium caesariense is native to the Eastern United States, and is especially prominent in the New Jersey area, hence both its common and its scientific name. It is found in the coastal states from Florida to New Hampshire, almost always in wetlands. Some of its native habitats include pine barrens, upland meadows and woods, ravines, and mountain summits.Cultivation and conservation
In commercial cultivation of Vaccinium caesariense, they are usually planted at the beginning of fall or the end of winter, with organic fertilizers such as manure compost and vermicompost. As the plants develop woody stems irrigation is only needed during very dry periods. The cultivated plants are grown in soil that is accommodating to acidophilic plants.New Jersey has developed environmental and agricultural programs to protect and develop the New Jersey blueberry, such as the Blueberry Plant Certification Program and the Phillip E. Marucci Center for Blueberry & Cranberry Research & Extension.