Empetrum nigrum, commonly known as crowberry or black crowberry, is an evergreen shrub native to a variety of habitats including tundra, moorlands, and boreal forests across the circumboreal region of the Northern Hemisphere, as well as the Falkland Islands. It typically forms dense mats and grows to a height of 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) with a creeping habit. The leaves are small, needle-like, and dark green, contributing to its year-round interest. Crowberry produces small, bell-shaped greenish-pink flowers from May to June, which are not particularly showy but are followed by notable black or purplish-black drupes. The fruit is edible, though acidic, and is harvested for use in liqueurs, wines, juices, and jellies.

Crowberry is valued for its ability to thrive in acidic, moist, but well-drained soils and shady conditions, making it an excellent choice for ground cover in challenging garden spots. It is also used in rock gardens for its texture and winter interest. The plant’s evergreen foliage and tolerance of cold climates make it a reliable year-round performer. While it is not prone to many diseases, it can suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils. Crowberry is also important ecologically, serving as a food source for various animals and playing a significant role in the diets of indigenous peoples such as the Inuit and Sami.CC BY-SA 4.0