Lingonberry is a perennial shrub plant which has tapered evergreen leaves. Its small bell-shaped flowers bloom in June and July while its edible round red berries ripen from late summer to autumn.

Lingonberry thrives in sunny and relatively dry coniferous forests. It can also be found in wooded marshes, rocks, field verges and roadsides. It grows extensively throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

Lingonberry is Finland's most abundant natural berry and is collected extensively from forests. It is made into juice, jam, sauces and much more. Tea from lingonberry leaves can be taken as a remedy for urinary tract infections, rheumatic disorders and high blood sugar. Lingonberry may be confused with bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi).

Lingonberry is a heat- and drought-resistant common species, that has adapted to the forest at all stages of the forest cycle. The plants can withstand tree harvests quite well and they usually grow stronger as light and heat increase. However, a large opening in the canopy can stifle the lingonberry’s growth. Lingonberry is an indicator species of dry heath forests.