Bog Bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum)

Family: Ericaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Vaccinium uliginosum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. Juicy and sweet. The fruit can also be dried and used like raisins. A reasonable source of vitamin C. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; The fruit can also be dried and used like raisins.; A reasonable source of vitamin C.; The fruit is about 6mm in diameter.

Habitat & North American Range

Bogs and moist copses in mountains and moorlands of northern Britain. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)