Empetrum nigrum
crowberry
A dwarf, evergreen shrub to about 15cm, with trailing stems bearing tiny (5mm), needle-like leaves. The inconspicuous, pinkish or purplish flowers appear in late spring or early summer, followed in autumn by edible, black berries about 5mm across, which can remain on the plant all winter if not eaten
Other common names
black crowberryblack-berried heath
see moreblackberry heath
crakeberry
crauberry
crawberry
crow pea
curlew berry
hog cranberry
monox
monox heather
pigeon berry
wire ling
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Black | ||
| Winter | Green | Black |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Trailing
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Temp. N. Hemisphere
How to grow
Cultivation
Naturally 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
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Ground cover
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.