Empetrum nigrum

RHS Plant Profile
crowberry
crowberry RHS

Other common names

black crowberry, black-berried heath, blackberry heath, crakeberry, crauberry, crawberry, crow pea, curlew berry, hog cranberry, monox, monox heather, pigeon berry, wire ling, creiglys

Shrubs Fruit Edible

A dwarf, evergreen shrub to about 15cm, with trailing stems bearing tiny (5mm), needle-like leaves. The inconspicuous, pinkish or purplish flowers appear in late spring or early summer, followed in autumn by edible, black berries about 5mm across, which can remain on the plant all winter if not eaten

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ericaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Trailing
Genus
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Temp. N. Hemisphere

How to Grow

Cultivation

Naturally grows in cool areas with high rainfall. Requires an open position in full sun or semi shade, on acid soil that is not waterlogged, but has a good moisture supply

Propagation

Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or by layering

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildlife gardens
  • Ground cover

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free