Crowberry
empetrum nigrum
Also known as: ["Black Crowberry","Rock Crowberry"]
Overview
A low-growing, evergreen shrub native to Arctic and subarctic regions, known for its dark purple-black berries.
Benefits & Perks
["cold hardy","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Empetraceae |
| Genus: | Empetrum |
| Botanical Name: | Empetrum nigrum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or containers in cold climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"−40–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"2–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Acidic, well-draining soil such as a mix of peat moss, sand, and pine bark.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually or every 2 years, depending on growth rate and desired shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate pruning to shape and rejuvenate the plant without removing more than one-third of the growt
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or partial shade; 4–6 hours of filtered sunlight daily. Adjust for stronger light in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to new light conditions to prevent leaf burn. Protect from intense midday sun, especially in summer. Indoors, place near an east-facing window or slightly back from a south-facing one.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid direct afternoon sun; provide dappled light; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogged soil.
Soil
acidic, well-drained, sandy or peaty soil
pH: Acidic, ideally between 4.5 and 5.5.
Use acidic soil mix; ensure excellent drainage; avoid alkaline soils.
Temperature
Cool to cold temperatures preferred, ideally 5–15°C (41–59°F). Tolerates frost but avoid extreme heat.
Keep in a cool spot; protect from heatwaves; maintain consistent temperatures if possible.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during active growth with a balanced, diluted fertilizer
Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer; dilute to half strength; fertilize only when actively growing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or layering. Stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (15–20°C or 59–68°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with added perlite or sand for drainage.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.
Tools Needed
Sharp pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, humidity dome or plastic bag, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean, sharp tools to make angled cuts just above a leaf node or bud. Remove crossing or crowded branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or weak growth, and encourage bushier form. Prune after flowering or in late winter/early spring.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, disinfectant (e.g., rubbing alcohol).
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead/damaged growth first; shape evenly; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins is ideal.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Check root boundness; prepare new pot with drainage; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without saturation. Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add peat moss or pine bark to increase acidity and improve drainage. Incorporate perlite or coarse sand for aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or browning leaf edges in excessive heat; stunted growth or poor flowering in overly warm conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures are generally tolerated, but sudden freezes or prolonged cold without acclimation can damage buds or roots.
Solution: Protect from extreme cold with frost cloth or mulch. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues in damp, cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced vigor, especially if combined with dry soil.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, and water carefully to avoid overheating the roots.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; use diluted fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and early summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are also susceptible to mild gastrointestinal distress if they ingest large amounts of the berries. The emetine content can cause digestive upset, though severe toxicity is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large quantities of the berries due to the presence of emetine. The effects are generally not life-threatening but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Empetrum nigrum contain emetine, a compound that can cause gastrointestinal distress when consumed in large amounts. The physiological impact is primarily localized to the digestive system, with minimal systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Crowberries edible?
A: Yes, the berries are edible and often used in jams, pies, and traditional dishes.
Q: Does Empetrum nigrum require much care?
A: No, it is very low maintenance and thrives in harsh, cold climates with minimal attention.
Q: Can Crowberry be grown indoors?
A: It is not typically suited for indoor growth due to its preference for cold, outdoor conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Empetraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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