Lingonberry is a Swedish name, though these have numerous other appellations, such as
mountain cranberry. "Lingonberry" is
considered preferable by many botanists, to help distinguish this species from cranberries.
Identification: Plants are small evergreen shrubs 2-7″ (5-17 cm) tall.
They keep their leaves all year
long despite their preference for cold, often exposed mountain slopes. Leaves are less than
¾″ (1.9 cm) long, usually closer to ½″ (1.3 cm); dark green and shiny on top. Flowers are white or pink, and bell-shaped,
about ¼″ (6.3 mm) long. Berries are bright red, ¼-⅜″ (6.3-10 mm) in diameter.
This Vaccinium comparision chart also includes a couple of similar-appearing species
that are not Vaccinium.
Edibility: Lingonberries are collected in the wild in several areas
of Europe. They are tart when fresh, but are cooked and sweetened to create jams, compote, or juice.
They have vitamins and minerals, as well as other nutritional benefits.