Sparkleberry / Vaccinium arboreum
Family: Heath / Ericaceae
Characteristics: Sparkleberry, also called Farkleberry, is a semi-deciduous shrub with glossy green foliage, medium-fine texture, slow growth rate, and an oval-rounded form. Clusters of delicate, white, bell-shaped flowers (1/4 inch long) bloom in May. The black fruit are visible for an extended period in the fall and winter. Fall leaf color is deep red to maroon. Older plants have exfoliating bark that reveals an orange-brown inner bark. With age, the plant has a very picturesque branching habit.
Landscape uses: Use Sparkleberry as a flowering or specimen shrub in full sun to partial shade. It adapts to both moist and dry soils. Drought tolerance is good, once established. Small plants transplant best.
Size: 15 to 20 feet high with a canopy spread of 12 to 15 feet
Zones: 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Habitat: Sandy and rocky dry uplands, in pine and hardwood forest understories, and clearings.
Native to: Kansas to Virginia, south to Florida, west to Texas.
Comments: Vacciniums are one of the most common native shrubs.