Natural England

Natural England

Gardening with Wildlife in Mind

The Plant Press

© 2006-2008. Database provided and managed on behalf of Natural England by The Plant Press. Designed and implemented by Ideal Integration Ltd

 

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Bilberry - Vaccinium myrtillus

Bilberry - Vaccinium myrtillusBilberry - Vaccinium myrtillus
© Bob Gibbons
UK distribution - Midlands, North, South West

This small, deciduous, shrub produces the delicious bilberry, also known variously as whinberry, whortleberry or blueberry. It has leathery, oval, bright green leaves and drooping clusters of pale pink, bell-shaped flowers in early summer. These are followed by round, bluish black fruits.

This is a plant that can be used to create a 'heathland' lawn, or to form part of a woodland garden. The fruits are used in tarts and jam.

Animals

Bees and wasps

FoliageGreen
FlowerPink, May to June
MoistureDry (Dry)
SunlightFull sun to Part-shadeFull sun to Part-shade (Full sun to Part-shade)
OriginNative