Elizabeth Blueberry

Northern highbush selected 1966 by New Jersey Blueberry Council and released same year. Cross of ('Katharine' × 'Jersey') × 'Scammell'. Named in honor of Elizabeth Coleman White (1871-1954), pioneer cranberry farmer from Whitesbog, New Jersey who partnered with USDA botanist Frederick Coville to domesticate and market the first commercial blueberries in 1916. Large vigorous upright shrub with strong spreading lateral branches. Re-introduced to cultivation in 2002 after period of obscurity due to outstanding flavor quality. Very fast growing. 

Very large, sweet berries with medium blue color in dense clusters. Balanced flavor of sweet and tart. Stores well in refrigeration. Ripens mid to late season (after Bluegold). Abundant yields of 10-12 pounds per mature bush ripening over 2-3 week period.

Heirloom variety rediscovered for its superior taste. Top-rated cultivar - growers with 17 different varieties rank Elizabeth alongside Blueray as top favorites. Featured in New York Times for exceptional flavor. Young plants grow strongly in all directions requiring pruning of low horizontal branches to encourage vertical growth. Became sought-after variety when re-released 2002 after flavor comparison trials showed it excelling among modern varieties.