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Hampton, Nan
Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.
Lingonberry, Northern mountain-cranberry, Cowberry
Ericaceae (Heath Family)
USDA Symbol: VAVI
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
A low, creeping, diffusely branched shrub with leathery, oval, evergreen leaves. Pink, bell-shaped flowers occur in small, terminal clusters and are followed by red, edible berries. A low, evergreen shrub with creeping stems and upright branches bearing small, terminal clusters of pink, nodding, bell-shaped flowers.
The acidic fruits, sometimes called lingonberries, are somewhat bitter but can be used as a substitute for regular cranberries when cooked. They often overwinter on the plant and become sweeter by the time the snow melts.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: PinkBloom Time: Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: AK , CT , MA , ME , MI , MN , NH , VT , WICanada: AB , BC , NB , NS , PE , QC
Native Distribution: Greenland to AK, s. at high elevations to New England, n. MN & in the west to B.C.
Native Habitat: Bogs; rocky areas
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N), GL(N), SPM(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist , Wet
Soil Description: Acid, peaty or rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Commonly grown as a ground cover in the Pacific Northwest.
Benefit
Use Food: The acid fruits are somewhat bitter but can be used as a substitute for regular cranberries when cooked. (Niering)Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Vaccinium species are propagated by seeds, cuttings and rooted suckers of offshoots.Seed Treatment: Dormancy varies. Cold-moist stratification may be necessary.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Advice on planting Korean dogwood (Cornus kousa) in Vancouver, BC
October 26, 2007
I live in the Vancouver, BC - Pacific Northwest area and the front of our yard faces south to southwest. If I were to plant a tree other than an evergreen, would the Korean Dogwood thrive in this are...
view the full question and answer
From the Archive
Wildflower Newsletter 1990 VOL. 7, NO.2 - Preservation Blooms in Recreated Prairies, New Wildflower Center Prairie Welcome...
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Vaccinium vitis-idaea in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Vaccinium vitis-idaea in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Vaccinium vitis-idaea
Metadata
Record Modified: 2011-01-06Research By: TWC Staff
