Black Crowberry

Description

Empetrum nigrum is a low growing, evergreen shrub with a creeping habit. The leaves are 3–6 mm (0.12–0.24 in) long, arranged alternately along the stem. The stems are red when young and then fade to brown. It blooms between May and June, the flowers are small and not very noticeable, with greenish-pink sepals that turn reddish purple. The round fruits are drupes, 4–6 mm (0.16–0.24 in) wide, usually black or purplish-black but occasionally red. Empetrum nigrum can be grown in acidic soils in shady, moist areas. It can be grown for the edible fruit (but has an acidic taste and can cause headaches, as a ground cover, or as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, notably the yellow-foliaged cultivar 'Lucia'. The fruit is high in anthocyanin pigment, and can be used to make a natural food dye. While abundant in Scandinavia, it is treasured for its ability to make good wine, juices, or jelly.