Grouseberry, Grouse whortleberry

Vaccinium scoparium

Physical Characteristics

Vaccinium scoparium is a deciduous Shrub growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America - British Columbia and Alberta, south to Colorado and S. Dakota.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Tea Fruit - raw or cooked and used in pies, jellies, jams, breads, muffins etc[60, 85, 161, 183, 257]. The dried fruits can be used to flavour other foods or to thicken soups[183]. The fruit is about 4 - 6mm in diameter[200]. The fresh or dried leaves can be used to make a kind of tea.

Medicinal Uses

Antiemetic Antiseptic Appetizer Astringent Carminative Hypoglycaemic Antiseptic, astringent, carminative, hypoglycaemic[172]. An infusion of the dried, pulverized leaves has been used in the treatment of nausea and to increase the appetite[257]. The dried and powdered fruits have been given to children to improve their appetite[257].

Known Hazards

None known