Bilberry

Vaccinium myrtillus

Up to 60cm tall. An upright, much-branched deciduous shrub. Leaves are oval and bright green; borne on twigs that are green and three-angled. Flowers are 4-6 mm across and greenish-pink; eventually ripen to form a blue-black berry 6-10 mm across. Also called whortleberries, fruits are delicious to eat.

What habitats does it normally live in?

Confined to heaths, moors and woodlands on acid soils.

What's its life cycle or behaviour pattern?

April-June

What is its current UK distribution?

Widespread across much of Europe but restricted to upland regions in the south.

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