Vaccinium vitis idaea
Plant Details
General Information
Scientific name:
Vaccinium vitis idaea
Also known as:
Cowberry, Lingonberry, Northern mountain cranberry, Cranberry
Images:
Google Images
Plant Properties
Layer:
Herb layer, Soil
Format:
Smal
Height:
0.30 m
Width:
1.00 m
Growth Rate:
Moderate
Leaf:
Evergreen
Growth conditions
USDA Hardiness:
3-8
Soil Moisture:
Moist
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium)
Sand (light) Loam (medium)
pH:
Acid
Acid
Light:
Half shade, Sun
Half shade, Sun
Usage properties
Edible part:
Fruit, Tea
Fruit, Tea
Edibility:
Medicinal:
Features:
Dye, Bee plant, Ground cover
Dye, Bee plant, Ground cover
Description
Fruit: edible both raw and cooked. The berries are delicious to eat and have a sour taste that becomes even better after frost. They are often used as cranberries in preserved products. Sometimes the harvest of the berries can take place twice a year. The fruits are about 6 mm in diameter. Leaves: Tea can be made from the leaves; however, it should be consumed in moderation as the leaves contain the toxic substance arbutin.
Harvest Data
Start Harvest:
15/08
End of Harvest:
31/10
Guilds
Guild Information
Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.
Guild Details
| Guild | Description |
|---|---|
|
Ribes rubrum Redcurrant, Whitecurrant |
Ribes rubrum, or red currant, provides a beneficial ground cover that helps suppress weeds. It shares similar soil and water requirements, making it a good companion for Vaccinium vitis idaea. |
|
Rubus idaeus Raspberry |
Rubus idaeus, or raspberry, enhances biodiversity and attracts pollinators, which in turn benefits Vaccinium vitis idaea by improving pollination rates. |
|
Salix aurita Eared Sallow |
Salix aurita, or eared willow, improves soil moisture retention and provides shade that can protect Vaccinium vitis idaea from excessive heat. |