Scientific name: Vaccinium oxycoccos
Synonym: Oxycoccus microcarpos, Oxycoccus oxycoccos, Oxycoccus quadripetala, Oxycoccus palustris, Vaccinium microcarpum, Vaccinium hagerupii
Family: ERICACEAE
Common names: “Bog cranberry” “small cranberry”
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Conditions:
Zone: 3-6
Light: Full sun best – light shade
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered, tolerant of salt
Soil: Acidic 4.5-6, humus rich sandy loam
Moisture: Moist boggy – wet
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 2-4″ W
Leaf and Stem shape: Small oval leaves with sharp tips, dark green above with a grey waxy coating beneath, and rolled edges
Flower: Nodding solitary flowers at stem tips, followed by dark red, juicy, acidic berries
Pruning: Best left alone
Maintenance: Low
Landscape use: Edible garden, wildlife garden, bogs and swamp edges
Propagate: By layering, cuttings, seed and division
Pests & Disease: Generally healthy
Attracts butterflies
Comments: Small edible berries traditionally used by first nations, sweeter after the frost, native to North America, a tea can be made from the leaves, fruits make a dye and the juice can be used to clean silver