black crowberry
Quick Summary
The black crowberry, scientifically known as Empetrum nigrum, is a low-growing evergreen shrub belonging to the heath family, Ericaceae. This plant thrives in cold climates, including subarctic, alpine, and boreal regions.1
Crowberry plants typically reach about 10 inches in height and have a trailing growth habit. Their leaves are narrow, about 0.4 inches long, and somewhat succulent. The small flowers are purplish-pink, and they produce true berries that are about 1 cm long. These berries can vary in color from reddish to purple to black, depending on the specific species.1
The edible fruits of the crowberry are an important food source for various songbirds, waterfowl, bears, voles, and other mammals. Indigenous peoples have historically used crowberries for food and medicinal purposes. The black crowberry is the most common species and is found across cool regions of North America, Asia, and Europe.1
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