Lingonberry

(Vaccinium vitis-idaea)

Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Vaccinium vitis-idaea, commonly known as Lingonberry, is an evergreen shrub native to boreal forests and Arctic tundra of Europe, North America, and Asia. It typically forms dense clonal colonies through its underground stems, reaching a height of 10–40 cm (4–16 in). The slender and brittle roots emerge from these stems. Its bell-shaped flowers are white to pale pink, measuring 3–8 mm (1⁄8–3⁄8 in) in length, and bloom in early summer. The showy flowers give way to edible red berries, 6–10 mm (1⁄4–3⁄8 in) in diameter, with a tart flavor that sweetens after frost, ripening from late summer to autumn.

Lingonberry is valued for its edible fruit, which is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and for its ability to thrive in cold climates. It is often used in gardens for ground cover or in fruit gardens for its berries. The plant is also appreciated for its ornamental qualities, particularly its attractive foliage and fruit. In cultivation, Lingonberry requires full sun to part shade, consistent moisture, and acidic, well-drained soil. It is a low-maintenance plant once established, but it does not tolerate alkaline or dry soils well.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub, Subshrub
  • Height: 0.2-1 feet
  • Width: 1-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Native to boreal forests and Arctic tundra

Other Names

Common Names: Cowberry, Northern Mountain Cranberry, Dry Ground Cranberry, Foxberry, Partridgeberry, Mountain Cranberry, Partridgeberry, Rock Cranberry Cranberry, Cowberry, Tyttebær

Scientific Names: , Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Vaccinium vitus-idaea, Oxycoccus vitis-idaea, Vaccinium rubrum, Vaccinium vitis-idaea f. pyricarpum, Vaccinium vitis-idaea subsp. fma, Vaccinium vitis-idaea var. genuinum, Vaccinium vitis-idaea var. punctata, Vaccinium vitis-idaea var. punctifolia,

GBIF Accepted Name: Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.