Bog bilberry

The Bog bilberry is a large perennial shrub plant, whose bluish-green leaves fall in winter. The brownish stem is woody. Small pot-shaped, white or reddish inflorescences bloom in May and June. Its blue-gray elongated berries ripen in late summer. The Bog bilberry has a very beautiful autumn foliage.

As its name suggests, the Bog bilberry grows abundantly in bogs, morasses and peatland forests. It can be found across the Northern Hemisphere, from the temperate zones to the northern tundra.

While its berries are not very popular, they are edible and are almost as nutritious as Bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus). The berries can be used in jams and juices and are well suited for freezing.

Bog bilberry is a common basic species of our forests and is an important plant among pollinators. Its fragrant flowers attract insects. The plant is also home to the larvae of the Cranberry blue (Agriades optilete), a magnificent blue-coloured butterfly.