Bog cranberry

Bog cranberry

Vaccinium vitis-idaea

Plant Characteristics

Plant Type Small Shrub
Height (m) 0.3
Width (m) 1
Growth Rate Medium
Pollination Strategy Animal
Flower Period June, July
Forage Value Poor
Fruit Type Berry
Edible Fruit Yes
Fruit/Seeds Available Fall, Winter, Summer
Traits Suckering

Site Characteristics

Natural Region Boreal, Foothills
Soil Texture Loam, Sand
Drainage Poor
Moisture Tolerance Moist
Sun Exposure Full, Partial Shade

Description / Details

Vaccinium oxycoccos is a low growing flowering plant often forming a ground cover. The edible berries produced in August are commonly called Lingonberries. This small creeping shrub has waxy leaves, growing in an alternating pattern. This species is found in the Northern Hemisphere and does well in nutrient poor, damp soils of the Boreal Forest.

This database was created by AWES, with support from Cows and Fish (Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Society) and the Alberta Native Plant Council. Contact AWES for a list of references used. Financial support for this database was provided by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
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