Bog Bilberry
Vaccinium uliginosum
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Pl. DFB0 — Vaccinium uliginosum
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IOverview
Overview
Bog Bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum) is a subshrub or shrub native to moist and wet habitats across North America, Europe, and Asia. It thrives in light and medium soils with a pH between 4.5 and 5.7, making it well-suited for boggy areas. This plant can be found from Alaska to the Yukon, and from Maine to Washington, as well as in various European countries like Austria, Finland, and Sweden. Bog Bilberry is known for its edible fruit, which can be enjoyed fresh or used in culinary applications. Its light habitat preference and moist requirements make it a distinctive feature among other Vaccinium species.
Quick answers
What is Bog Bilberry?
Bog Bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum) is a subshrub or shrub native to moist and wet habitats across North America, Europe, and Asia. It thrives in light and medium soils with a pH between 4.5 and 5.7, making it well-suited for boggy areas.
What is Bog Bilberry used for?
Traditionally used for digestion, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Bog Bilberry
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Bog Bilberry has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to aid digestion, often prepared as a tea. It may help soothe the digestive tract and promote healthy bowel movements.
Contains tannins which can have an astringent effect on mucous membranes, potentially helping to reduce inflammation and irritation in the gastrointestinal tract. The mechanism of action for digestive support is not fully characterized but likely involves modulation of gut motility and secretion.
- Bog Bilberry has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to support the immune system, often prepared as a decoction. Its antioxidant properties may help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.
Rich in anthocyanins, which have potent antioxidant effects that can neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative damage. The exact mechanism of action for immune support is not fully characterized but likely involves modulation of inflammatory pathways.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Bog Bilberry support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bog Bilberry thrives in moist to wet conditions and prefers light (sandy) or medium soils with a pH between 4.5 and 5.7. It is hardy in temperate regions and can be found naturally in various parts of the world. This subshrub grows up to 0.8 meters tall and requires partial shade, making it suitable for gardens with moderate light levels. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist; regular watering may be necessary during dry spells. Propagation can be done through seeds or cuttings. Harvest the edible fruit when ripe for use in various culinary applications.
Light
5/10
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Habit
Subshrub, Shrub
Mature size
0.8 m tall
Soil pH
4.5–5.7
For first-time growers
How to grow Bog Bilberry for the first time
8steps
Start with Bog Bilberry as a simple, low-maintenance shrub for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A small Bog Bilberry plant or seeds, suitable soil, and containers if planting in pots.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Bog Bilberry in early spring or late fall when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is moist, well-draining, with a pH between 4.5 and 5.7. Use containers with good drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from nurseries or sow seeds directly into the ground in early spring.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight for the first few days.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial shade, especially during hot summer months. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring before new growth starts. Harvest fruit when they turn a deep purple.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too sunny a location, and not providing enough acidic soil are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Tea
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe13 regions
native (13)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceIcelandRussiaUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)China
Americas1 region
native (1)Greenland
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Aleutian Is., Altay, Amur, Baltic States, British Columbia, Buryatiya, California, Chita, Czechoslovakia, Føroyar, Idaho, Irkutsk, Yukon
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
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