Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Family:
Ericaceae (Heath)
Also in this family:
Arctic Bearberry, Bearberry, Bell Heather, Bilberry, Blue Heath, Blueberry, Bog Rosemary, Bog-laurel, Common Heather, Common Wintergreen, Cornish Heath, Corsican Heath, Cowberry, Cranberry, Cross-leaved Heath, Crowberry, Darley Dale Heath, Dorset Heath, Intermediate Wintergreen, Irish Heath, Labrador Tea, Large Cranberry, Mackay's Heath, Mountain-laurel, One-flowered Wintergreen, Portuguese Heath, Prickly Heath, Rhododendron, Round-leaved Wintergreen, Serrated Wintergreen, Shallon, Sheep-laurel, Small Cranberry, St Dabeoc's Heath, Strawberry Tree, Trailing Azalea, Tree Heath, Yellow Azalea, Yellow Birdsnest
Maximum Size:
50 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Bogs, heathland, moorland, mountains.
Bog Bilberry bears small, urn-shaped flowers that are pale pink to white and appear singly or in pairs along the stems. Each flower is about 4–5 mm long, with a waxy texture and nodding habit. Flowering typically occurs from April to June, often earlier than other bilberry species, and the blooms are pollinated by bees and other early-flying insects.
Fruit:
The fruit is a round, blue-black berry with a whitish bloom, ripening in late summer. Slightly larger than the Common Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), the berries are edible and mildly sweet, though with a less intense flavour. They are eaten by birds and mammals and have historically been used in jams and pies in upland regions.
Leaves:
Leaves are oval, blue-green, and hairless, with entire (untoothed) margins—distinguishing it from V. myrtillus, which has serrated leaves. In autumn, the foliage often turns a striking reddish-purple. The leaves are deciduous and are borne on smooth, green stems, unlike the angular stems of Common Bilberry.
Fragrance:
The flowers of Bog Bilberry have little to no noticeable scent. The plant’s appeal lies more in its edible fruit and autumn foliage than in fragrance. Pollination is mainly driven by visual cues and nectar rewards rather than scent.
Other Names:
Bog Blueberry, Northern Bilberry, Northern Wild Blueberry, Western Blueberry.
Summary
Vaccinium uliginosum, also known as bog blueberry or northern wild blueberry, is a small shrub native to northern parts of North America and Eurasia. It is a member of the heath family and is closely related to the blueberry. Bog blueberry is characterized by its small, dark blue berries and small, dark green leaves. It is a popular fruit in many parts of the world and is often used to make jams, jellies, and other preserves, as well as baked goods such as pies and muffins. Bog blueberry is also believed to have a number of health benefits and is sometimes used as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, including diabetes, eye disorders, and inflammation. In addition to its culinary and medicinal uses, bog blueberry is also grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers and fruit.
Blog
Bog Bilberry: A Nutritious and Delicious Berry for Your Garden
Bog Bilberry, also known as Vaccinium uliginosum, is a versatile and delicious berry that is native to the boreal and Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. With its small size, low growing habit and attractive purple fruit, it is a great addition to any garden. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits and characteristics of Bog Bilberry, and why you should consider adding it to your garden.
Nutrition and Health Benefits: Bog Bilberries are a great source of vitamins and antioxidants. They are particularly rich in vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. These nutrients help to support a healthy immune system, improve digestion and keep the heart healthy. Additionally, the high concentration of anthocyanins found in Bog Bilberries has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great choice for people with joint pain or other inflammatory conditions.
Low Growing Habit: Bog Bilberries grow to a maximum height of 30 cm, making them a great choice for gardens with limited space. They are also very hardy and can grow in a variety of soil types, including clay, sand and peat soils. This makes them a great choice for gardeners who live in areas with challenging growing conditions.
Attractive Fruit: Bog Bilberries produce small, round, dark purple berries that are not only delicious but also visually appealing. The berries are great for eating fresh, making into jams, jellies, and syrups, or baking into desserts. They are also perfect for making into wine, as the high concentration of antioxidants in the fruit helps to improve the quality of the wine.
Easy to Grow: Bog Bilberries are relatively easy to grow and care for. They require minimal maintenance and are relatively disease-resistant. They can be propagated by taking cuttings or by dividing existing plants, making them a great choice for gardeners who want to save money on their plants.
In conclusion, Bog Bilberries are a versatile and nutritious berry that are easy to grow and care for. They are a great choice for gardeners with limited space, as they are low growing and hardy. With their attractive fruit and numerous health benefits, they are a great addition to any garden. So, why not consider adding Bog Bilberries to your garden this season and enjoy the benefits of this delicious berry!
Attractive Foliage: Not only do Bog Bilberries produce attractive fruit, but they also have attractive foliage. The leaves of the plant are dark green and glossy, providing a beautiful contrast to the purple fruit. Additionally, the leaves turn red and orange in the fall, providing a beautiful show of autumn color in your garden.
Harvesting and Storing: Bog Bilberries are typically harvested in late summer and early fall, when the fruit is at its ripest. They can be picked by hand or shaken from the plant onto a sheet or canvas. Once harvested, they can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for later use.
In conclusion, Bog Bilberries are a versatile and attractive berry that offer numerous benefits to gardeners and wildlife.
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