[4] The leaves are spirally arranged, oblate to narrow elliptic, 3 inches long and start red-bronze in the spring only to develop into a dark-green.

The fruit is a berry 5 mm diameter, dark blue to black, bloomed pale blue-gray by a thin wax coating.

Berries of Vaccinium virgatum are edible and are used as sauces and syrups, and for breads, muffins, pancakes, and pies,[4] and may have pain killing properties (antinociceptive effects).

[6] Vaccinium virgatum is grown as an ornamental plant, especially for its fall colors, typically bright orange or red.

The plant has few insect or disease problems, however birds and squirrels consume its fruit.