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Search Term(s): Vaccinium macrocarpon   (1 record found)

ERICACEAE
Heath Family
Vaccinium macrocarpon  (cranberry)   
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Synonym
--
Carex Section
--
Meaning of Scientific Name
Vaccinium: from the Latin for bilberry; macrocarpon: large-fruited
Native Plant
Yes
Life Form
Perennial Subshrub
Phenology (Flowering Period)
June
Physiographic Province
☐ Piedmont
☑ Coastal Plain

County Distribution
☑ New Castle
☐ Kent
☑ Sussex

Habitat
Inner-dune swales and rarely in Atlantic white cedar swamps and abandoned sandpits
State Status
Uncommon
Piedmont Status
--
Coastal Plain Status
Uncommon
Global Rank
--
Federal Status
--
Geographic Affinity
Northern
Species at Limit of Distribution
☐ Northern
☐ Southern

North American Distribution (Non-indigenous Species)
--
Coefficient of Conservatism
9
Invasive
--
Invasive Watchlist
--
Global Origin (Non-native Species)
--
Wildlife Values
Fruit used by many wildlife species; host plant for Callophrys henrici (Henry's Elfin Butterfly), Celastrina argiolus (Spring Azure Butterfly) and Satyrium liparops (Striped Hairstreak Butterfly).
Medicinal Properties
Parts used: Berry. Internally used as juice or in capsule form for urinary tract infections and to reduce occurrence of gastric ulcers. Regular consumption of cranberries used to lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol.
ID Notes
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Additional Info
Natural distribution ranges from the north, south to the souteast Virginia and eastern North Carolina.
Habitats in which this plant occurs
Beach and Dune Habitats (Interdunal Wetlands, herbaceous, shrub, forested)
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