Also apparently resistant to emissions from zinc smelters. Plants generally grow better on undisturbed than on tilled soil. Understory dominant or codominant in a variety of forest communities. Well adapted to fire, generally sprouting from rhizomes or root crown after aboveground vegetation is removed or damaged by fire. Some seed may be transported by birds and mammals, but reseeding is generally limited to favorable sites in good years and appears to play a minimal role in postfire reestablishment.
Fire removes decadent aboveground vegetation and promotes vigorous growth.
Peatlands, lakes, and rocky outcrops serve as natural fire breaks. Fires in these areas are frequently patchy, creating forest openings into which blueberry can rapidly expand. Plants within these openings receive sufficient light for good vigor and fruit production. Well adapted to survive in many fire regimes. In drier inland areas, fire-free intervals are much shorter.