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IIIFolio · plant profile№ 1889medicinal · edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTreflePFAFPOWOeditorially reviewedreviewed 15 Jul 2026methodology → read

Vaccinium smallii

Vaccinium smallii
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Vaccinium smallii (Vaccinium smallii) — botanical photograph
Pl. 1889 — Vaccinium smallii
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I

Prezentare

Vaccinium smallii, cunoscut sub numele de bălămâu japonez sau bilămâu mic, este un arbust deciduu nativ din Japonia, Insulele Kuril și Sakhalin. Această plantă se dezvoltă în suște umed, soi ușor (sândal) până la mediu și preferă expozții parțială de soare sau directă. Crește până la 1,5 metri în înălțime și este durabilă în zonele 5-9. În principal, se notează pentru fructele sale comestibile, care pot fi consumate frescu sau utilizate în diverse aplicații culinare, dar Vaccinium smallii funcționează și ca plantă ornamentală, având o folie și fructe atractive. Caracteristicile distinctive includ fructele albastrele luminice care se matură în vară, adăugând un pic de culori la paisajul local.

Quick answers

What is Vaccinium smallii?

Vaccinium smallii, cunoscut sub numele de bălămâu japonez sau bilămâu mic, este un arbust deciduu nativ din Japonia, Insulele Kuril și Sakhalin. Această plantă se dezvoltă în suște umed, soi ușor (sândal) până la mediu și preferă expozții parțială de soare sau directă.

What is Vaccinium smallii used for?

Traditionally used for immune support, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.

Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Vaccinium smallii
Jump to full evidence →
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
II

Beneficii și dovezi

2 claims · traditional-use context
Traditional-use context
These notes are presented as ethnobotanical context. No cited clinical references are catalogued for this plant yet.
  • Vaccinium smallii, like other Vaccinium species, has been traditionally used in Japan for immune support. Its fruit is often consumed as a tea or decoction to help maintain overall health during seasonal changes.

    The mechanism by which Vaccinium smallii supports the immune system is not fully characterised but may involve antioxidant compounds such as anthocyanins and flavonoids, which have been shown to enhance immune function in related species.

    ▲ ModerateImmune support →
  • Vaccinium smallii is traditionally used in Japan to aid digestion. Consuming the fruit as a tea or decoction may help alleviate digestive discomfort and promote healthy gut function.

    The mechanism by which Vaccinium smallii aids digestion is not fully characterised but may involve compounds such as tannins, which have been shown to support gastrointestinal health in related species.

    ▲ ModerateDigestion →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

1 draft
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Vaccinium smallii support blend
general
tea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivare

Vaccinium smallii se dezvoltă în soare direct sau parțial și preferă suște umede, soi ușor până la mediu. Este durabilă în zonele 5-9 și poate crește până la 1,5 metri în înălțime. Pentru producția optimă a fructelor, asigurați plantei o umiditate suficientă și condiții de drenaj bine regulate. Propageazăți prin semințe sau împărțiri de rădăcini. Dacă se face referire la habitatul nativ din Japonia, Insulele Kuril și Sakhalin, adaptărează bine la regiuni temperate cu climaturi similare.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
5-9
Mature size
1.5 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Vaccinium smallii for the first time

8steps

Start with Vaccinium smallii as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A Vaccinium smallii plant or seeds, potting soil, and containers if planting in pots.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring when the ground is moist but not waterlogged.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use well-draining soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5, ensuring containers have drainage holes.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young plants from nurseries or sow seeds directly into the ground in early spring.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy. Avoid direct sunlight for a week, then gradually expose to full sun.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide partial shade and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize lightly in spring with compost.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune after fruiting to maintain shape and encourage new growth, typically in late winter.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in full sun, using heavy soil that doesn't drain well, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough nutrients.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of Vaccinium smallii is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. It is commonly consumed fresh but can also be dried for later use. Skip the invention of specific recipes; focus on these basic uses.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribuție

3 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 3 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Japan
Broader regions
native:Kuril Is., Sakhalin
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Vaccinium smallii (Vaccinium smallii) — botanical photograph
Vaccinium smallii (Vaccinium smallii)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

Last updated
Citation
How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 188988c6-60eb-416a-9137-7784efd9a732
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