About
Empetrum nigrum, the crowberry, is a dwarf, evergreen shrub to around 15 cm with trailing stems bearing tiny (5 mm), needle-like leaves. Inconspicuous, pinkish or purplish flowers appear in late spring or early summer, followed in autumn by edible, black berries about 5 mm across that can persist through winter. A charming native ground-cover plant for a moist, acid, peaty soil.
About the genus
Empetrum, the crowberries, are dwarf, heath-like evergreen shrubs producing tiny, needle-like leaves on spreading stems and inconspicuous flowers followed by small, edible, glossy berries in red or black. Grown as ornamental ground-cover plants for acid, peaty or moorland soils.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Fruit Edible
HabitTrailing
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Native toTemp. N. Hemisphere
Care notes
CultivationNaturally grows in cool areas with high rainfall. Requires an open position in full sun or semi shade, on acid soil that is not waterlogged, but has a good moisture supply
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or by layering
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free