Empetrum Species, Crowberry
Empetrumrubrum

Family: Ericaceae (er-ek-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Empetrum (EM-pe-trum)
Species: rubrum (ROO-brum)

Synonym:Empetrum andinum

Synonym:Empetrum bilobum

Category
Edible Fruits and Nuts
Shrubs

Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping

Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage
Evergreen

Foliage Color

Height
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)

Spacing
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)
15-18 in. (38-45 cm)
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 2a: to -45.5 °C (-50 °F)
USDA Zone 2b: to -42.7 °C (-45 °F)
USDA Zone 3a: to -39.9 °C (-40 °F)
USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2 °C (-35 °F)
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested

Bloom Color
Medium Purple

Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer

Other details

Soil pH requirements
4.5 or below (very acidic)
4.6 to 5.0 (highly acidic)
5.1 to 5.5 (strongly acidic)
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information

Propagation Methods
From woody stem cuttings

Seed Collecting
N/A: plant does not set seed, flowers are sterile, or plants will not come true from seed