PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

Rhizomatous. Blooming occurs late-May through late-June, fruiting throughout August.

Perennial. The optimal identification period for this species is late-May through August.

Associated species include Pinus banksiana, P strobus, Quercus ellipsoidalis, Populus tremuloides, P grandidentata, Prunus serotina, Pteridium aquilinum, Carex pensylvanica, Vaccinium angustifolium, Comptonia peregrina, Gaylussacia bacata, Schizachne purpurascens, Oryzopsis asperifolia, and Danthonia spicata. Across its range, it is known to hybridize with many other Vaccinium species.

Blue ridge blueberry prefers sandy soils and is found in dry, upland woods and old fields.

Avoid broadcast spraying of herbicides and use care with spot spraying.

Avoid site preparation that heavily disturbs herbaceous ground layer and soil, including bulldozing and furrowing, as well as grubbing and stump removal.

Avoid locating landings, staging areas, or access routes in open sandy areas dominated by native grasses.

This species overwinters above ground, meaning that seasonal restrictions like conducting the a project on frozen ground will not result in avoidance. Therefore, known individual plant locations should be avoided year-round. Consult with a biologist, if needed.

Prescribed burns and/or brushing may be beneficial, dependent on local site conditions and burn frequency. Rotational burns with annual unburned refugia may be preferred.

Maintain low canopy cover areas for savanna and barrens plant species.

Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are associated with habitats (or natural communities) and places on the landscape. Understanding relationships among SGCN, natural communities and ecological landscapes help us make decisions about issues affecting SGCN and their habitat and how to respond. Download the Wildlife Action Plan association score spreadsheet to explore rare species, natural communities and ecological landscape associations

Conservation actions respond to issues or threats, which adversely affect species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) or their habitats. Besides actions such as restoring wetlands or planting resilient tree species in northern communities, research, surveys and monitoring are also among conservation actions described in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan because lack of information can threaten our ability to successfully preserve and care for natural resources.