Lingonberry
Vaccinium vitis-idaea
- Native to:
- Albania, Aleutian Is., Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, Føroyar, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kuril Is., Labrador, Netherlands, North Caucasus, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Prince Edward I., Romania, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Ukraine, United States
Hans Hillewaert
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Genus:
- Vaccinium
- Species:
- Vaccinium vitis-idaea
- USDA Symbol:
- VAVI
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★★★★☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★★ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
cranberry fruitworm (Acrobasis vaccinii), Goldilocks moth (Lithomoia solidaginis), grey mountain carpet (Entephria caesiata)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fall Color:
- red
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.0 - 6.0 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Thrives in cool, temperate climates
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy; germination occurs slowly at cool temperatures.
Pre-treatment: Seeds are placed in cold moist stratification for the duration of the winter
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires light / surface sow (fine seed).
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)