Vaccinium uliginosum aka Bog Bilberry

Vaccinium uliginosum is a small shrub in the heath family. Common names include bog blueberry, bog bilberry, and moorberry. It grows across temperate and subarctic parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Its range includes Europe, Asia, Greenland, and much of northern North America. It is native to Britain and Ireland, and to Oregon. Wild plants grow in bogs, swamps, and damp mountain woods. They also grow on moorland in northern Britain.

This deciduous shrub forms many branches and loses its leaves each year. Plants may stand upright or form low mats. Oregon State gives a height of 0.7–2 feet [0.2–0.6 metres]. Plants For A Future gives an upper height of 2.6 feet [0.8 metres]. Branches may take root where they touch the ground. Thin, round twigs bend in a zigzag pattern. Young twigs are yellow-green and hairy, with small, pointed buds. Gray-brown or reddish-brown bark peels into fine shreds as it ages.

The leaves sit one at a time along the stems. They are oval or broader near the tip, with smooth edges. Their firm surfaces range from dark green to blue-green. The lower surface is paler and shows a clear vein network. Small white or pink flowers have a bell or urn shape. They grow at branch tips or along side branches. Insects pollinate flowers that contain both male and female organs. Blue to black berries follow, with a pale waxy coating.

Grow this plant in sun or light shade. A sunny site supports better fruit crops. It needs moist to wet, lime-free soil rich in organic matter. Peaty soil or light loam with leaf mould suits it. Plants For A Future gives a preferred pH of 4.5–6. Lime can cause leaves to turn yellow through chlorosis. Shelter it from strong winds and avoid disturbing its roots. It suits bog gardens and cultivated beds. Oregon State lists cold tolerance to USDA zone 2.

The sweet, juicy fruit can be eaten fresh or cooked. It can also be dried for use like raisins. The berries provide vitamin C. Leaves and dried fruit have been used to make tea. Plants For A Future records traditional medicinal uses, including leaf infusions after childbirth. It also warns that eating much fruit may cause headaches. That source suggests fungal infestation may explain this effect.