Empertrum Nigrum Crowberry Shrubs AKA Black Crowberry or Mossberry
An evergreen, low maintenance, low growing shrub providing a food source for wildlife and suitable for harsh environments e.g. at the In-laws over Christmas. The low-growing shrub forms into a spreading mat (not short for Matthew) which can be attractive as ground cover and for ornamental rock gardens aka the green spaces at the back of Mick Jagger and Freddie Mercury’s house.
Often found in environments such as heathlands, moorlands, moors, bogs, wet slopes, Arctic and alpine conditions. Also considered to be a good soil stabiliser and reduces erosion on exposed sites (we don’t mean nudist colonies unless they coincidentally have harsh weather conditions which given the nature of the occupants would be unlikely)
Crowberry Leaves
The 3-6mm long stubby needle-like leaves are stubby and needle-like and continue being stubby and needle-like until they are not, which is never so you don’t have to worry about them becoming long and un-needle-like.
The young stems are red and then turn brown as they age.
The small waxy leaves protect against water loss and photosynthesise at lower light levels.
Empertrum Nigrum Crowberry Fruits
Growing to 4-6mm, they start green fading into pink and purple and then finally a shiny black. If at any time they look like a beak is attached to the berry then you have a bird eating them. If you observe a set of dentures amongst the fruits then time to get Grandad some better Polygrip.
The fruits can be eaten but have an acidic taste. Scandinavians make liqueur, juice, jelly and wine from them while Alaskans mix them with Blueberries for pies and jams. They become sweeter after experiencing a freeze (we mean temperature not something like interest rates or being told to stand still by the police). This can be done either on the plant or at home in the freezer.
An excellent source of fibre (not the broadband type) and antioxidants. They can be frozen for 2 years without losing a lot of quality.
Unpicked Crowberry fruits will last on the branch until Spring.
Empertrum Nigrum Crowberry Flowers
The Crowberry flowers are small star-shaped and stalkless so don’t expect them to follow you everywhere you go. Expect them to flower between May and June.
Planting Empertrum Nigrum Crowberry Shrubs
For best results plant in acidic soils that are moist and well-draining. Hardy down to minus 20 degrees centigrade and will perform well in full sun or partial shade.
Random Information About Empertrum Nigrum Crowberry Shrubs
A member of the Heather family (we don’t know if this is by birth or marriage)
The fruit is high in anthocyanin pigment and can be used to make a natural dye.
The name of Empertrum Nigrum probably first came from a quill, pen, pencil or keyboard depending on when it was discovered.
The flowers are typically wind pollinated and the berries have been used for medicinal use as they are high in anthocyanins. This is good for use as an anti-inflammatory and protects cardiovascular health.
Empertrum Nigrum Crowberry shrubs spread by their branches forming roots and starting a new plant. Also the seeds in their berries are spread by birds or little children taking a bite and spitting them out great distances in the very disproportionate response they are noted for.
What Our Customers Are Saying About Our Empertrum Nigrum Crowberry Shrubs
No one has written a review about them yet, possibly because they are so impressed, they are still sat in the garden watching them.
