Plant Details

Vaccinium vitis idaea

Cowberry, Lingonberry, Northern mountain cranberry, Cranberry

Back

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

Use this plant

Log in to add this plant to your own recipes.

Sign In

General Information

Scientific name: Vaccinium vitis idaea
Also known as: Cowberry, Lingonberry, Northern mountain cranberry, Cranberry

Plant Properties

Layer: Herbaceous, Ground cover
Size: Small
Height: 0.30 m
Width: 1.00 m
Growth Rate: Moderate
Leaf: Evergreen

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 3-8
Soil Moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium)
pH:
Acidic
Light:
Partial shade, Full sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Fruit, Tea
Edibility:
(3)
Medicinal:
(2)
Features:
Dye, Bee forage, 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