Lingonberry
Vaccinium vitis-idaea
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Description
Lingonberry is a small evergreen shrub native to boreal forests and Arctic tundra throughout the Northern Hemisphere. It thrives in acidic, nutrient-poor soils, making it ideal for agroecological systems and forest gardens. Lingonberries are a valuable ground cover in food forests, contributing to soil health by reducing erosion and adding organic matter. They form a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi, enhancing nutrient uptake. In guild design, lingonberries pair well with other acid-loving plants like blueberries and rhododendrons. Historically, lingonberries have been used by indigenous peoples for their nutritional and medicinal properties, particularly in treating urinary tract infections. Their evergreen nature provides year-round habitat and food for wildlife, enhancing biodiversity. Lingonberries are well-suited to cold climates and can grow in shaded areas, making them versatile in regenerative agriculture.
Growing Details
Lingonberries prefer acidic, well-drained soils with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as peat moss or pine needles to maintain acidity. Mulch with pine bark or wood chips to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include blueberries and azaleas, which share similar soil preferences. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Harvest berries when they are fully red and firm, typically in late summer. Store fresh berries in a cool, dry place or f
Edible Parts
Leaves
Fruit
Tags
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Erosion Preventing
Bee Friendly
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Winter Edible
Tea
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Vaccinium vitis-idaea</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to boreal forests and Arctic tundra in
applicable geo region: Northern Hemisphere
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of May for 30 days
Harvest:
beginning
of August for 60 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(4/5)
edible uses: Lingonberries are commonly used to make jams, jellies, sauces, and desserts. They can be eaten fresh or dried. The berries are rich in vitamins C and E, and antioxidants, which support immune health. They are typically harvested in late summer to early fall.
Medicinal Rating:
(4/5)
medicinal uses: Lingonberries have been used in traditional medicine to treat urinary tract infections, digestive issues, and inflammation due to their high antioxidant content. The leaves can also be used to make a tea that is believed to have diuretic properties. Caution is advised as excessive consumption of the leaves can lead to toxicity.
health concerns: Excessive consumption of leaves can lead to toxicity due to hydroquinone content.
other uses: Lingonberries can be used as a ground cover plant to prevent soil erosion and improve soil health.
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Vaccinium vitis-idaea</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Vaccinium vitis-idaea
common names: Cowberry; Mountain Cranberry; Foxberry
family: Ericaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Vaccinium
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.5 m
spacing: 0.3 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen:
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 0ยฐC / -40ยฐC / 30ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: Medium
root type: Shallow
frost tender: Low
hardness:
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(3/10)
first harvest: 3 years
life span: 20 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Slow
max height: 0.3 m
max width: 0.5 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Acid
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Lingonberries prefer acidic, well-drained soils with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as peat moss or pine needles to maintain acidity. Mulch with pine bark or wood chips to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include blueberries and azaleas, which share similar soil preferences. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Harvest berries when they are fully red and firm, typically in late summer. Store fresh berries in a cool, dry place or f
Potential Disturbances: Lingonberries are generally pest-resistant but can occasionally be affected by aphids and leaf spot. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs to control aphids. Use neem oil or garlic spray as an organic treatment for leaf spot. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
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