Vaccinium myrtillus

Bilberry, whortle berry or blue berry

Family Ericaceae

Vaccinium myrtillus, bilberry, whortle berry or blue berry (V. myrtillus 1), is a low shrub, up to 50 cm high, with green angled twigs, bearing single serrate leaves, 1-2 cm long (V. myrtillus 2). The greenish-pink flowers are borne singly or in pairs in the axils of the leaves. The fruit is a round berry, about 6-8 mm across, juicy and dark blue in colour (V. myrtillus 3).

Distribution
The blue berry is native to northern Europe and Asia, growing abundantly in open acid woodlands.

Use
The berries are used for pastries, jams and juices.