Identification of Blueberry Plants

Blueberry Shrub Size and Form

• The three most common types of blueberry bushes in the United States are the lowbush, highbush and rabbiteye. Blueberry plants are deciduous shrubs with an open form. The common lowbush varieties reach heights of 2 to 3 feet and the highbush varieties are generally 6 to 8 feet tall. The rabbiteye and some highbush varieties can reach heights of 12 to 15 feet.

Blueberry Leaves and Branches

• Blueberry plant leaves are1/2 to 3 inches long, depending on the variety. The leaves alternate sides along the slender branches and are a pointed, oval shape. The green leaves have a white-to-gray colored underside. In autumn, the leaves turn a bright red before falling. Blueberry shrubs have reddish-green colored branches with warts along their length.

Blueberry Flowers

• Blueberry bushes grow small, white bell-shaped flowers on the plant that bloom in spring to early summer. Some flowers have a green or pink appearance. The flowers form in clusters and give way to fruit development later in the summer. Blueberry plants rely on bees and other insects for pollination. When cross-pollinated with different blueberry plants and varieties, it helps the plants to produce larger fruit that ripens earlier in the summer months.

Blueberry Fruit

• Blueberry bushes have small fruit that is approximately 1/4 to 1/2 half inch in diameter. Unripe fruit is initially green. It then turns to pink and then light purple. Once the fruit ripens, it turns a dark blue to black color. The blueberries form in clusters on the shrub and ripen between June and August, depending on the variety. Growing blueberries have a powdery protective coating that rubs off when touched.