Empetrum eamesii subsp. atropurpureum

(Fernald. & Wiegand)

Purple Crowberry

EricaceaeFruitPotential hazards — see below
Caution — Parts of this plant may be toxic or require specific preparation. Verify with multiple sources before consuming.
Empetrum eamesii subsp. atropurpureum
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Université Laval
Empetrum eamesii subsp. atropurpureum
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RSA - California Botanic Garden Herbarium (RSA-RSA)
Empetrum eamesii subsp. atropurpureum
gbif · cc-by-nc
President and Fellows of Harvard College

What to Eat

Edible parts: Fruit

The fruit can be eaten raw, with flavor improved by freezing, and is usually eaten with sugar. The fruit is also fermented for alcoholic drinks.

Known Hazards

Alcohol is a cause of cancer.

Where to Find It

They grow in cool temperate regions. They can grow on exposed, windswept sites. They do best on moist, lime free soil. They need an open sunny position.

Australia, Canada, North America, USA,

Countries: Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Trinidad & Tobago, United States, St Vincent

How to Identify

A heath like plant. It is an evergreen shrub. It is low growing. The leaves are simple, alternate and narrow. The flowers occur singly in the axils of leaves. They fruit is small fleshy and berry like. They are dark red to purple when ripe. There can be up to 9 hard white seeds.

How to Grow

Plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings.

Wikipedia

Source ↗

Empetrum eamesii, common name purple crowberry, is a North American species of dwarf evergreen shrub.

Notes

There are about 6 Empetrum species.

Names & Synonyms
Empetrum atropurpureum Fernald & Wiegand
References (4)
  • Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 535
  • Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 94
  • Fisk, J. R. & Hoover, E., 2015, Wild Fruits of Minnesota. A Field Guide. University of Minnesota p 36
  • Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/

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