Common Bilberry
Vaccinium myrtillus
Also known as Bilberry, Whortleberry, Blaeberry
Climate Match for your location
See how well Common Bilberry grows in your area.
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A low-growing deciduous shrub prized for its edible blue berries and attractive autumn foliage. Native to heathlands and woodlands, it thrives in cool, moist, acidic soils in part shade.
Why grow it
Bilberry produces smaller, darker berries than its cultivated relative highbush blueberry, with a more intense flavor suited to fresh eating and preserves. It requires significantly less space and maintenance than larger blueberry varieties, making it practical for small-scale systems. The plant also delivers ornamental value through fine-textured foliage and reliable autumn color, offering dual-purpose appeal in cool-climate permaculture designs.
Watch out for
Bilberry's shallow root system requires consistent moisture during establishment and warmer months, so mulching helps retain soil water and regulate temperature. In warmer zones or drier microclimates, afternoon shade becomes more critical to prevent stress and reduced berry yields. Harvesting the small berries is time-intensive relative to larger commercial blueberries, which affects practical yield expectations for home growers.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ericaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Northern Europe and western Asia
Native to: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A low-growing deciduous shrub prized for its edible blue berries and attractive autumn foliage. Native to heathlands and woodlands, it thrives in cool, moist, acidic soils in part shade.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Common Bilberry grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Bilberry produces smaller, darker berries than its cultivated relative highbush blueberry, with a more intense flavor suited to fresh eating and preserves. It requires significantly less space and maintenance than larger blueberry varieties, making it practical for small-scale systems. The plant also delivers ornamental value through fine-textured foliage and reliable autumn color, offering dual-purpose appeal in cool-climate permaculture designs.
Watch out for
Bilberry's shallow root system requires consistent moisture during establishment and warmer months, so mulching helps retain soil water and regulate temperature. In warmer zones or drier microclimates, afternoon shade becomes more critical to prevent stress and reduced berry yields. Harvesting the small berries is time-intensive relative to larger commercial blueberries, which affects practical yield expectations for home growers.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ericaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Northern Europe and western Asia
Native to: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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