Plant Details

Vaccinium oxycoccos

European cranberry

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Vaccinium oxycoccos.

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General Information

Scientific name: Vaccinium oxycoccos
Also known as: European cranberry

Plant Properties

Layer: Herbaceous, Ground cover
Size: Small
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:
Acidic
Light:
Partial shade, Full 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