Kamchatka bilberry, Cherry blueberry
Vaccinium praestans
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
A small plant. It is a creeping plant with upright shoots. These grow 3-10 cm high. It spreads by underground stems or rhizomes. These can be 30 cm long. The leaves are oval and have small teeth. The leaves are 2.5-5 cm long and rounded at the top but with a short pointed tip. They are pale green and turn yellow then red in autumn. The flowers are bell shaped and white tinged with pink. They can be in groups 5 cm long. The fruit are bright red berries. They are 1.25 cm across. They are juicy, sweet and edible. They are near the tips of the shoots.
Where it is found
It is a cold temperate plant. It suits a cool, moist spot. It can grow in sphagnum moss. It grows in cold climates and is hardy.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Britain, Europe, Japan, North America, Russia, USA
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
It is grown from seed or rooted side suckers.
Its other names
Local names
Iwa-tsutsuji