Vaccinium oxycoccos

Plant Details

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General Information

Scientific name: Vaccinium oxycoccos

Also known as: European cranberry

Images: Google Images

Plant Properties

Layer: Herb layer, Soil

Format: Smal

Height: 0.10 m

Width: 1.00 m

Growth Rate: Fast

Leaf: Evergreen

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 2-8

Soil Moisture:
Moist, Wet

Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium)

pH:
Acid

Light:
Half shade, Sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Fruit, Tea

Edibility:
(4)

Medicinal:
(1)

Features:
Dye, Ground cover

Description

Fruit - raw or cooked. For many, this is considered the tastiest flavor among the indigenous British wild fruits. The fruit is rich in pectin, which means it can be mixed with fruits that contain little pectin to aid in making jam. Pectin also plays an important role in the diet by helping to protect the body from radiation. Due to their sour taste, the fruits are often cooked to make jam. Although smaller than the related V. macrocarpon, the fruit of this species is considered superior in flavor. The fruit has a diameter of approximately 6 mm. Tea can be made from the leaves.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/09

End of Harvest: 31/10

Guilds

Guild Information

Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.

Guild Details

Guild	Description
Salix alba Willow	Willow trees help retain moisture in the soil, which can be beneficial for cranberries that require wet conditions.
Ononis spinosa Spiny Rest Harrow	Sedge plants provide ground cover and help in maintaining soil moisture, benefiting Vaccinium oxycoccos.
Typha angustifolia Small Reed Mace	Joe-pye weed attracts pollinators, which can enhance the fruiting of cranberries.
Rheum palatum Rhubarb, Turkey Rhubarb, Chinese Rhubarb	Watercress can grow in similar wetland environments, helping filter and purify water around cranberries.
Rosa carolina Pasture Rose, Carolina rose	These plants thrive in wet areas and can assist in attracting beneficial insects.