Berry-picker should know bearberry
Photos: Arne Ader
Translation:SilverT
Bearberry
Bearberry Harilik leesikas Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Bearberries and lingonberries can sometimes grow together in heath forests. Experienced berry-pickers know how to distinguish them. In the natural habitats of bearberry, one will find them growing in thick patches, in alvar areas, sandy areas or even sand dunes.
Creeping dwarf bush of bearberry is about twenty centimeters in height (lingonberry does not have any creeping stalks on the ground). Love of light can grow the plant up to two meters from the neck of the root. Interesting to explore when you come across a bearberry bush.
Sharp-edged bearberry leaves are different from lingonberry leaves because they have round tips and a narrower bottom – these are so-called wedgy leaves. Dark green in colour on top and light green from below.
Beautiful red bearberries are similar to lingonberries, but they are smaller and there are less in a bunch. Berry-like drupes of bearberry have a floury taste, however, they are ripe already.
Lingonberries. Teringi bog
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