Vaccinium vitis-idaea, commonly called lingonberry, is a short, mat-forming, evergreen shrub native to boreal pine forests, rocky barrens, bog edges, heaths, arctic tundra, and mountain slopes in the northern reaches of Europe, Asia, and North America. Mature plants will reach up to 1 foot tall and spread by underground rhizomes to form dense colonies of 3 feet wide or more. It produces small pinkish-white flowers in mid-spring and a crop (sometimes two) of large, bright red tart berries in summer. Excellent in jams and jellies, also used medicinally to treat several things. Foliage turns an attractive mahogany in winter. The berries are eaten by birds including grouse, ravens, and migrating songbirds as well as mammals including voles, chipmunks, foxes, and black bears. The foliage is an important winter food source for moose, caribou, and hares. Best grown in evenly moist, acidic, well-draining, soil in full sun to part shade. Plant in full sun for best fruiting. Fertilize lightly in spring.
