Vaccinium myrtillus (Bilberry)

Vaccinium myrtillus (Bilberry) pink flower close up on green branch with rounded petals and style
Vaccinium myrtillus (Bilberry) pink flowers sit along a slender green stem among serrated oval leaves.

Botanical name: Vaccinium myrtillus

Common name: Bilberry

Family: Ericaceae

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 3-7

Plant type: Fruit
Fruit type: Tropical Blueberry
Small plant 2-5 ftPlant form: Small
Plant mature sizeMature height: 2-5 ft
Semi-shadeSun exposure: Semi-shade
Subtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeCold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.
Watering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyWatering: Regular
Red, crimson, vinous flowersFlower color: Red, crimson, vinous
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Ethnomedical plant. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

Bilberries are found in very acidic, nutrient-poor soils throughout the temperate and subarctic regions of the world.

The fruit is smaller than that of the Blueberry but with a fuller taste.

The fruits can be eaten fresh or made into jams, juices or pies. In folk medicine, bilberry leaves were used to treat gastrointestinal ailments, applied topically, or made into infusions. In European herbal medicine, bilberry fruit preparations are now used to enhance poor micro-circulation, including eye conditions such as night-blindness and diabetic retinopathy. The leaves have been used as a tea substitute.

Similar plants: Vaccinium myrtillus (Bilberry)


Vaccinium myrtillus (Bilberry) pink flower close up on green stems with small serrated leaves.
Vaccinium myrtillus (Bilberry) pink flowers dangle from thin stems among small green oval leaves.
Vaccinium myrtillus (Bilberry) close up with round red fruit and small green leaves on branches
Vaccinium myrtillus (Bilberry) branches with round red fruit and small green oval leaves hanging down


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/vaccinium_myrtillus.htm
About Tropical Plant Encyclopedia · Pictogram Guide·