Bilberry
Vaccinium myrtillus/The bilberry is the fruit of a type of shrub that grows close to the ground. It is a member of the genus Vaccinium.
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The bilberry is native to Europe, whereas the blueberry and huckleberry are native to North America. They are closely related, and members of the same genus.
The bilberry is known by many names. It is also called blaeberry, whortleberry, whinberry, myrtle blueberry, fraughan, and probably other names in different places. In Thomas Hardy's 1878 book, The Return of the Native, they were called black-hearts in 19th century southern England.
Wild bilberries collected in Norway
Bilberry Media
Bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) in Kerava, Finland.
Bilberries and leaves on a twig.
Collection of bilberries in the forest.
French bilberry pie, tarte aux myrtilles
Other websites
- Species profile: Blaeberry Archived 2007-08-10 at the Wayback Machine
- Bilberry and Herbal Medicine Archived 2007-05-31 at the Wayback Machine