Oval-leaf Blueberry
'First bloom'Vaccinium ovalifolium
Ericaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · native
Last updated
Oval-leaf blueberry is a native deciduous shrub reaching 8 ft with multiple stems and erect form. It produces purple flowers and blue edible fruit. Distribution spans the Pacific Coast from British Columbia south to California.
Oval-leaf blueberry is hardy in zones 3b-8b and grows in sun to part shade with adaptable, acidic soil (pH 4.5-7.5) and moderate moisture. Growth is moderate with medium drought tolerance. It is hardy to very cold winters and suits cool-climate gardens.
Quick Facts
Aecial Stage (Alternate Host)
Spring Spore Release
Root Colonization Period
Active Below-ground Growth
+ 4 more — see full disease and pest lists below
Phenological Calendar
As of May 14, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1926.1 to 2121.1 GDD₃₂. Oval-leaf Blueberry has passed 'first bloom' (935 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of May 14, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,121 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,113 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,085 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,047 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,016 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,994 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,926 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'Bud break' BBCH '07' | 607 | '' |
| 'Leaf emergence' BBCH '11' | 780 | '' |
| ● 'First bloom' BBCH '61' NOW | 935 | '' |
Source: 'NPN citizen science observations (WA+OR), n=19, median. services.usanpn.org' About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of May 14, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 30, 2026, then climate normals.