Empetrum nigrum

Empetrum nigrum is a low growing, evergreen shrub with a creeping habit. The leaves are long, arranged alternately along the stem. The stems are red when young and then fade to brown; they grow slowly, around 7 – 15 cm (3 – 6 inches) per year. This plant can form thick, clonal mats than prevent other plants from overgrowing it.. Because this species is highly clonal, an entire patch may be of a single sex. Empetrum nigrum flower buds start to develop the summer before they open The flowers are small (3 – 6 mm), have little or no scent and are not very noticeable,, 3 petals, 3 stamens (males) or a pistil with an ovary that contains 6 – 9 ovules (females). The round fruits are berries, wide, usually black or purplish-black but occasionally red and contain an average of 7.8 seeds per fruit. The fruits are well-protected against pathogens and as a result can persist throughout the winter. Fruits average 86.5% water, and their dry weight includes 14.4% carbohydrates and 12.2% lipids, which is possibly the highest lipid content of any fleshy fruit in Europe. ==Subspecies==

• Empetrum nigrum subsp. asiaticum (Nakai ex H.Ito) Kuvaev – Korean crowberry • Empetrum nigrum subsp. subholarcticum (V.N.Vassil.) Kuvaev (synonym: Empetrum subholarcticum V.N.Vassil.) ==Distribution and habitat==

The species has a near circumboreal distribution in the Northern Hemisphere. Empetrum nigrum grows in bogs and other acidic soils in shady, moist areas; it also grows in subalpine and alpine habitats in the Pacific Northwest. It can grow in soils with a pH as low as 2.5, but it does not grow in basic soils (pH > 8). ==Ecology==

Empetrum nigrum flowers are likely pollinated by a combination of generalist insects (e.g., flies, beetles) and wind. foxes, bears, caribou and many bird species. Because it retains its fruit throughout the winter and into the spring, it is an important food for species such as red-backed voles at a time of year when few other foods are available. Empetrum nigrum has allelopathic properties (e.g. hampering seed germination and root extension of other plants) but the strength of these are dependent on the soil type. Empetrum nigrum roots host ericoid mycorrhizal species (ascomycetes and basidiomycetes), which increase access to nitrogen and phosphorus. ==Uses==

The fruit is edible and can be dried, and may have an acidic taste. In the Alaskan tundra, it is known to have a sweet and slightly tart flavor. It is often mixed with other berries in dishes like pies and puddings. In Labrador and northern regions of Newfoundland, entire plants are harvested and the sods used to impart flavour to smoked fish. The species can also be grown as a ground cover, or as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, notably the yellow-foliaged cultivar 'Lucia'. The fruit is high in anthocyanin pigment and can be used to make a natural dye. == In culture ==

The Scottish Highlands Clan Maclean's badge is believed to be E. nigrum. ==Gallery==