Small Cranberry
Vaccinium oxycoccos |
Other common names:
European Cranberry
Other scientific names:
Oxycoccus hagerupii, Oxycoccus oxycoccus, Oxycoccus quadripetalus, Vaccinium microcarpum
Family:
Heath Family (Ericaceae)
Group:
Cranberries
Distinctive features:
Sub-Shrub; Flowers and berries are in clusters at the ends of the branches. Fruit smaller.
Similar species:
•
Large Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) - larger overall: berries are bigger, leaves are larger.
•
Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum) - similar in name only. A large shrub.
Flowers:
Summer; Red/Pink; 4 parts (petals)
Leaves:
Alternate, Simple, Entire
Height:
Up to 15 cm (6 in); A very small, low-growing sub-shrub.
Habitat:
Wet Areas
Edible:
The berries are edible, although best if cooked first.
Books:
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 128
Shrubs of Ontario: 409
Native/Non-native:
Native
Status:
Common in bogs.
Notes:
Cranberry are actually tiny shrubs, although most people probably wouldn't think of them as such. They grow in bogs.
The main way to tell Large Cranberry and Small Cranberry apart is by the size of the berries.
For more information visit:
Ontario Trees and Shrubs
Photographs:
218 photographs available, of which 3 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.
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