Sea Bilberry
Vaccinium bracteatum
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Pl. D773 — Vaccinium bracteatum
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IOverview
Overview
Sea Bilberry, scientifically known as Vaccinium bracteatum, is a small shrub native to regions including China South-Central, Cambodia, Hainan, Japan, Korea, Laos, and parts of Southeast Asia. This plant thrives in moist, light (sandy) to medium soil and prefers partial sun to full sun exposure. It is hardy in zones 6-9 and can grow up to one meter tall. Sea Bilberry is valued for its edible fruit, making it a useful addition to gardens or landscapes where its ornamental qualities also make it attractive. Its adaptability and light requirements contribute to its versatility in various growing conditions.
Quick answers
What is Sea Bilberry?
Sea Bilberry, scientifically known as Vaccinium bracteatum, is a small shrub native to regions including China South-Central, Cambodia, Hainan, Japan, Korea, Laos, and parts of Southeast Asia. This plant thrives in moist, light (sandy) to medium soil and prefers partial sun to full sun exposure.
What is Sea Bilberry used for?
Traditionally used for digestion, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Sea Bilberry
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Sea Bilberry is traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine for digestive issues, often prepared as a tea. It may help alleviate symptoms of indigestion and promote gastrointestinal comfort.
The mechanism by which Sea Bilberry supports digestion is not fully characterised but may involve compounds that have carminative or anti-inflammatory effects on the gut lining.
- Sea Bilberry has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support immune health, often prepared as a decoction. Its use is based on the belief that it can help maintain overall well-being during seasonal changes.
The mechanism by which Sea Bilberry supports immune function is not fully characterised but may involve antioxidant compounds such as anthocyanins and flavonoids, which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Sea Bilberry support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Sea Bilberry thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, light to medium soil. It is hardy in zones 6-9 and grows to about 1 meter tall. For propagation, use seeds or cuttings. The fruit is edible and can be enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary applications.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
6-9
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Sea Bilberry for the first time
8steps
Start with Sea Bilberry as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, potting soil, containers if planting in pots.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in late fall or early spring, or transplant young plants into prepared soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a partially shaded area to avoid sunburn.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial shade and regular watering. Fertilize lightly once a year with compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune after fruiting to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Harvest fruits when they are fully colored.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to prune, using incorrect soil pH.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of the Sea Bilberry is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. It is often consumed fresh but can also be dried for later use. Skip
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
15 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
15 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 15 native
Asia9 regions
native (9)CambodiaChinaJapanLaosMyanmarSouth KoreaTaiwanThailandVietnam
Broader regions
native:Hainan, Jawa, Malaya, Nansei-shoto, Sumatera
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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