Purple Crowberry
Empetrum eamesii subsp. atropurpureum

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

A heath like plant. It is an evergreen shrub. It is low growing. The leaves are simple, alternate and narrow. The flowers occur singly in the axils of leaves. They fruit is small fleshy and berry like. They are dark red to purple when ripe. There can be up to 9 hard white seeds.

There are about 6 Empetrum species.

Where it is found

They grow in cool temperate regions. They can grow on exposed, windswept sites. They do best on moist, lime free soil. They need an open sunny position.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Canada, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten raw. The flavour is improved by freezing. They are usually eaten with sugar. They are also fermented for alcoholic drinks. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Empetrum atropurpureum Fernald & Wiegand;