Bog Bilberry

Vaccinium uliginosum

Physical Characteristics

Vaccinium uliginosum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. 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 or wet soil.

Distribution

Northern Europe, including Britain, through northern Asia to Japan. Northern N. America.

Habitats

Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Tea Fruit - raw or cooked[1, 3, 13, 257]. Juicy and sweet[11]. The fruit can also be dried and used like raisins[62]. A reasonable source of vitamin C[257]. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter[200]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. A tea is made from the leaves and dried fruits[101].

Medicinal Uses

Antidiarrhoeal Antiseptic Astringent Birthing aid Carminative Hypnotic Hypoglycaemic Vitamin C Antiseptic, astringent, carminative, hypnotic and hypoglycaemic[172, 192]. An infusion of the leaves and sugar have been given to a mother a few days after childbirth in order to help her regain her strength[257].

Known Hazards

The fruit can cause headaches if they are eaten in large quantities[11]. This is probably the result of infestation by a fungus[65].