// SPECIES PROFILE · SHRUB · NATIVE

Deerberry

Vaccinium stamineum

Deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum) is a shrub in the Ericaceae family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 5a–9a. Mature size 6'–15'. Blooms May–Jun.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: Ericaceae
Group: shrub
Native range: Native to 30 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL…
USDA hardiness: Zones 5a–9a
Mature size: 6'–15'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: May–Jun
Wildlife value: High — pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: understory blueberry relative · edible tart berries · wildlife forage

Deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum) — *Vaccinium stamineum* — Deerberry. Photo by Eric Hunt via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum) is a shrub in the Ericaceae family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 5a–9a. Mature size 6'–15'. Blooms May–Jun. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: understory blueberry relative · edible tart berries · wildlife forage. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, deerberry pairs naturally with: Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), False Indigo Bush (Amorpha fruticosa), New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus), Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra).