How to Grow and Care for Crowberries

The fruits of black crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) are edible. However, they aren’t as flavorful as other kinds of berries. That’s why if you’re making jams or jellies, you should mix them with berries that have a more full-bodied taste. The fruit also contains high levels of anthocyanin, a natural dye. It was an important traditional food source for the Inuit.

Empetrum rubrum is a low-growing, evergreen shrub characterized by its striking red berries and small, needle-like leaves. Thriving in cold, boggy environments, empetrum rubrum's adaptations include a hardy root system and dark foliage, which helps absorb and retain heat—a survival perk in its harsh native habitat.