Also known as Alpine Cranberry · Bog Cranberry · Cowberry
Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) is a hardy, evergreen shrub producing tart, red berries. It thrives in cool climates and acidic soil, ideal for ground cover or edible
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best fruit production but tolerates partial shade.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist, avoiding drought stress and waterlogging.
Acidic, well-drained, sandy loam
50% intensity
Cold Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerates cold winters and requires a period of winter chill for dormancy.
Light Feeding
25% intensity
Use acid-loving plant fertilizer sparingly in spring.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
The berries are edible and widely consumed. No significant toxicity is reported for other plant parts.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Lingonberries thrive in consistently moist soil. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, ensuring the soil does not dry out completely. Aim for about 2-3 cm of water per week.
Drip irrigation is ideal to keep foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Prune lingonberries in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
Lightly trim back overgrown stems to maintain plant shape and encourage bushier growth, which can improve air circulation and fruit yield. Avoid heavy pruning.
Lingonberries can be propagated by cuttings or division. Take semi-hardwood cuttings in summer and root them in a moist, acidic medium. Alternatively, divide established clumps in early spring or fall.
Layering is also an effective method, where a low-lying stem is pegged to the soil to root.
Repot lingonberries when they become root-bound, typically every 2-3 years. Use a well-draining, acidic potting mix amended with peat moss or compost. Ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the original.
Repotting is best done in early spring before active growth commences.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea)
Where Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) is found
Density
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6 known issues from plant disease data
Root rot in Lingonberry causes roots to decay, so plants wilt, yellow, lose vigor, and may die back in wet or poorly drained sites.
Upright dieback in Lingonberry kills upright shoots and can cause soft, light-brown “sunburned” berries with early fruit drop.
Black rot in Lingonberry makes berries darken, soften, and shrivel, leaving fruit rotten and poor in quality as the crop matures.
Ripe rot in Lingonberry causes ripening berries to soften, pucker, and rot, often leaving shriveled fruit by harvest time.
Lingonberry gall in Lingonberry causes swollen, thickened red leaves or shoots that may look flower-like and turn white underneath.
Rust in Lingonberry starts as yellow leaf spots and develops orange to rusty pustules below, followed by early leaf drop.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Vaccinium |
| Species | Vaccinium vitis-idaea |
Similar in genus Vaccinium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
