Vaccinium macrocarpon

Vaccinium macrocarpon, commonly known as the cranberry, is a subshrub or small shrub native to northeastern and north-central regions of North America. Found in moist to wet soils under full sun to partial shade, this plant thrives in light (sandy) and medium soil types. Native to Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia, the cranberry is valued for its edible fruit, which can be enjoyed fresh or processed into various products. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow in acidic soils, making it a hardy and adaptable species in its native range.