Vaccinium oxycoccos: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 06:14, 16 February 2025

Species of flowering plant in the heath family

Vaccinium oxycoccos, commonly known as the small cranberry, bog cranberry, or swamp cranberry, is a species of flowering plant in the heath family, Ericaceae. It is native to the cooler regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of Europe, Asia, and North America.

Description[edit]

Vaccinium oxycoccos is a low-growing, perennial shrub that thrives in acidic bogs and wetlands. The plant has slender, wiry stems that can spread across the ground, forming mats. The leaves are small, evergreen, and ovate, with a dark green upper surface and a paler underside.

*Vaccinium oxycoccos* in its natural habitat

The flowers of Vaccinium oxycoccos are pink to reddish-pink, with a distinctive reflexed petal structure. They bloom in late spring to early summer. The fruit is a small, round, red berry that matures in late summer to early autumn. These berries are edible and have a tart flavor, often used in culinary applications.

Habitat and Distribution[edit]

Vaccinium oxycoccos is typically found in peat bogs, fens, and other wetland areas with acidic soils. It is well adapted to cold climates and is distributed across northern Europe, Asia, and North America. In North America, it is found in Canada and the northern United States.

Ecological Importance[edit]

The small cranberry plays a significant role in its ecosystem. It provides food for various wildlife, including birds and mammals. The plant's dense mats help stabilize the soil in boggy areas, preventing erosion and maintaining the wetland habitat.

Uses[edit]

The berries of Vaccinium oxycoccos are harvested for their culinary uses. They can be eaten raw or processed into products such as jams, jellies, and sauces. The tartness of the berries makes them a popular ingredient in desserts and beverages.

Cultivation[edit]

Cultivating Vaccinium oxycoccos requires conditions that mimic its natural habitat. It prefers acidic, moist soils and a cool climate. Gardeners interested in growing this plant should ensure adequate water supply and soil acidity to promote healthy growth.

Related pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-== Vaccinium oxycoccos ==
+{{short description|Species of flowering plant in the heath family}}
+{{Taxobox
+| name = Vaccinium oxycoccos
+| image = VacciniumOxycoccos.jpg
+| image_caption = ''Vaccinium oxycoccos''
+| regnum = Plantae
+| unranked_divisio = Angiosperms
+| unranked_classis = Eudicots
+| unranked_ordo = Asterids
+| ordo = Ericales
+| familia = Ericaceae
+| genus = ''[[Vaccinium]]''
+| species = ''V. oxycoccos''
+| binomial = ''Vaccinium oxycoccos''
+}}
-[[File:VacciniumOxycoccos.jpg|thumb|right|Vaccinium oxycoccos in its natural habitat]]
+'''''Vaccinium oxycoccos''''', commonly known as the small cranberry, bog cranberry, or swamp cranberry, is a species of flowering plant in the heath family, [[Ericaceae]]. It is native to the cooler regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of Europe, Asia, and North America.
-'''Vaccinium oxycoccos''', commonly known as the '''small cranberry''', '''bog cranberry''', or '''swamp cranberry''', is a species of flowering plant in the [[heath family]] (Ericaceae). It is native to the cooler regions of the [[Northern Hemisphere]], including parts of [[North America]], [[Europe]], and [[Asia]].
+==Description==
+''Vaccinium oxycoccos'' is a low-growing, perennial shrub that thrives in acidic bogs and wetlands. The plant has slender, wiry stems that can spread across the ground, forming mats. The leaves are small, evergreen, and ovate, with a dark green upper surface and a paler underside.
-== Description ==
+[[File:VacciniumOxycoccos.jpg|thumb|right|''Vaccinium oxycoccos'' in its natural habitat]]
-''Vaccinium oxycoccos'' is a low-growing, evergreen shrub that forms dense mats. The plant has slender, wiry stems and small, oval leaves that are dark green on the upper surface and pale beneath. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stems. The flowers are pink to purple, with a distinctive reflexed petal structure, and they bloom in late spring to early summer. The fruit is a small, round, red berry that matures in late summer to early autumn.
+The flowers of ''Vaccinium oxycoccos'' are pink to reddish-pink, with a distinctive reflexed petal structure. They bloom in late spring to early summer. The fruit is a small, round, red berry that matures in late summer to early autumn. These berries are edible and have a tart flavor, often used in culinary applications.
-== Habitat ==
+==Habitat and Distribution==
+''Vaccinium oxycoccos'' is typically found in [[peat bogs]], [[fens]], and other wetland areas with acidic soils. It is well adapted to cold climates and is distributed across northern Europe, Asia, and North America. In North America, it is found in Canada and the northern United States.
-This species typically grows in acidic [[peat bogs]], [[fens]], and [[wetlands]]. It thrives in moist, nutrient-poor soils and is often found in association with [[sphagnum moss]]. The plant is well adapted to cold climates and can tolerate frost and snow cover.
+==Ecological Importance==
+The small cranberry plays a significant role in its ecosystem. It provides food for various wildlife, including birds and mammals. The plant's dense mats help stabilize the soil in boggy areas, preventing erosion and maintaining the wetland habitat.
-== Distribution ==
+==Uses==
+The berries of ''Vaccinium oxycoccos'' are harvested for their culinary uses. They can be eaten raw or processed into products such as jams, jellies, and sauces. The tartness of the berries makes them a popular ingredient in desserts and beverages.
-''Vaccinium oxycoccos'' is widely distributed across the northern parts of [[North America]], including [[Canada]] and the northern [[United States]]. In [[Europe]], it is found from the [[British Isles]] to [[Scandinavia]] and eastward to [[Russia]]. It also occurs in parts of northern [[Asia]].
+==Cultivation==
+Cultivating ''Vaccinium oxycoccos'' requires conditions that mimic its natural habitat. It prefers acidic, moist soils and a cool climate. Gardeners interested in growing this plant should ensure adequate water supply and soil acidity to promote healthy growth.
-== Uses ==
+==Related pages==
+* [[Vaccinium]]
-The berries of ''Vaccinium oxycoccos'' are edible and have been traditionally used by indigenous peoples for food and medicine. They are rich in [[vitamin C]] and have a tart flavor. The berries can be eaten raw or cooked and are often used in sauces, jams, and desserts. In addition to their culinary uses, the berries have been used in traditional medicine for their purported health benefits.
-== Conservation ==
-While ''Vaccinium oxycoccos'' is not currently considered threatened, its habitat is sensitive to environmental changes. Peat bogs and wetlands are vulnerable to drainage, pollution, and climate change, which can impact the populations of this species. Conservation efforts focus on protecting these habitats and maintaining the ecological balance necessary for the survival of bog cranberry and other bog-dwelling species.
-== Related pages ==
-* [[Vaccinium macrocarpon]]
 * [[Ericaceae]]
-* [[Peat bog]]
+* [[Cranberry]]
-== References ==
+[[Category:Vaccinium|Oxycoccos]]
-* Flora of North America Editorial Committee, eds. (2009). ''Flora of North America North of Mexico'' (FNA). 8+ vols. New York and Oxford.
-* USDA, NRCS. 2023. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 30 October 2023). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
-[[Category:Vaccinium]]
-[[Category:Flora of North America]]
 [[Category:Flora of Europe]]
 [[Category:Flora of Asia]]
+[[Category:Flora of North America]]