Empetrum eamesii hermaphroditum - (Hagerup.)D.Löve.
(Hagerup.)D.Löve.
Mountain Crowberry, Rockberry
gbif· cc-by
Deaver Herbarium
gbif· cc-by
Meise Botanic Garden
gbif· cc0
Université Laval
Description
Empetrum eamesii hermaphroditum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower in March. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Edible Uses
Tea. Fruit - raw or cooked. A watery flavour, it is mainly used for making drinks, pies, preserves etc. The Inuit dry or freeze them for winter use. The fruit is about 4mm in diameter. A tea can be made from the twigs.
Distribution
Northern Europe, including Britain, mountains in southern Europe, Greenland, Canada and Siberia.
Where It Grows
Coming Soon
Cultivation
A calcifuge plant, it is easily grown in a moist lime-free peaty soil. Unlike most members of this genus, this species is hermaphrodite and self-fertile. There has been some confusion over the name of this plant. Some authorities refer to it as E. hermaphroditum and others include it in E. nigrum or E. eamesii.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The seed can be very slow to germinate, stored seed requires 5 months warm then 3 months cold stratification at 5°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 3cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Takes 3 weeks. Good percentage. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, 3cm with a heel, October in a frame. Requires shade. Good percentage.
Other Uses
Plants can be used for groundcover in exposed locations.
