Crowberry—a tasty treat and a great ground cover

Crowberry is a dwarf shrub that naturally grows in dry heath forests, on rocky terrain, in sandy soils, and in barren peatlands. In southern Finland, it typically thrives in boggy areas. In Lapland, its delicious berries have long been used in juices and desserts.

There are two subspecies of crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) in Finland. Common crowberry (Empetrum nigrum subs. nigrum) is dioecious, meaning its stamens and pistils are on separate plants. For flowers to be pollinated and berries to form, both a male and a female plant need to grow close by, which usually results in a small harvest. Common crowberry is more common in southern Finland.

Mountain crowberry (Empetrum nigrum subs. hermaphroditum) is common in Northern Finland. Its flowers have both stamens and pistils, so it usually produces a generous harvest. The berries are also larger and juicier than those of common crowberry.

Both subspecies make excellent ground covers in the garden.

Crowberry—how to grow it successfully

Hardiness zone

All of Finland, zones I–VIII.

Identifying crowberry

Crowberry is a 10–30 cm tall dwarf shrub with needle-like leaves that stay green year-round. Its red flowers bloom from April to June, and its berries are round, shiny, and bluish-black.

Growing location

Sun or shade.

Soil

Prefers poor sand or peat soils. Mountain crowberry thrives in dry sandy forests, on rocky terrain, in moist spruce groves, and in tundra conditions. Common crowberry also grows in wetter places, such as bog hummocks.

Fertilizing

Crowberry does not require fertilizing.

Propagation

Crowberry is propagated from cuttings.

Harvest season

Harvest runs from mid-July until the first snowfall and again in spring if the berries remain on the plants. Wind pollination usually ensures a good crop every year. Crowberry is not poisonous and is safe to eat.