Quackin Grass Nursery

Empetrum nigrum var. hermaphroditum – Commonly called Crowberry this is a dark dwarf slow-growing evergreen shrub cloaked in fattened Erica-like foliage. Indeed, with a cursory glance one might easily mistake it for a squat coarse Heath. This variety is a dense dioecious form with bisexual flowers. Flowers are small studded upon the shrub; sepals are greenish becoming pink and finally reddish purple in spring. Black berries follow which the Inuit call “paurngait”. They are edible, tasty and both crunchy and juicy. Crowberry mixes and contrasts well with Vaccinium vitis-idaea (Lingonberries) and V. macrocarpum (Cranberries). Plant in moist sandy loam - even humus laden bony scrabble on the acid side of the Ph spectrum sited in open shade. Some early morning sun is okay. Grows 2 to 4 inches high by 12 inches wide. A constantly moist siting is necessary as this is not a drought tolerant plant. This dioceous form is likely from the Pacific Northwest. Spring planting is recommended. Established (well-rooted) potted starter shrub from cutting. Cutting grown.