Empetrum nigrum aka Crowberry
Taxonomy
Empetrum nigrum, also known as crowberry, black crowberry, or blackberry in western Alaska, is a flowering plant species in the heather family Ericaceae. It has a near circumboreal distribution in the Northern Hemisphere and is native to the Falkland Islands as well. This dwarf, evergreen shrub grows up to about 15cm in height and has trailing stems with tiny needle-like leaves. In late spring or early summer, inconspicuous pinkish or purplish flowers appear, which are followed by small, edible black berries in autumn. These berries, measuring about 5mm across, can remain on the plant throughout winter if not consumed. In subarctic regions, Empetrum nigrum has been an important part of the diet for indigenous communities like the Inuit and the Sami. The Dena'ina (Tanaina) people harvest it for food and often store it in large quantities for winter, sometimes mixing it with lard or oil. While the fruits are typically collected in the fall, they can persist on the plant and be gathered in the spring if left unpicked.
Common names
Crowberry, Curlew Berry, CrakeberryHow to care for Crowberry
Difficulty
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Crowberry due to its easy-going nature.
Water
Crowberry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Crowberry prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
Region of origin
Crowberry’s native range is Europe, including Britain, Iceland to the Pyrenees, east to Siberia and Bulgaria and also N. America.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Empetrum Genus
