thumb|Bilberries

Bilberry (), also known as European blueberry, is a Eurasian low-growing shrub in the genus Vaccinium of the flowering plant family Ericaceae native to northern Europe and North America. Vaccinium myrtillus L. is the species most commonly called bilberry, but other closely related Vaccinium species may also have this name.

The plant produces edible, dark blue berries, which resemble – but are distinct from – North American blueberries.

Etymology and regional names

The name "bilberry" appears to have a Scandinavian origin, possibly from as early as 1577, while the earliest known English use of the name "blueberry" dates back to 1594, appearing in the Acts of Parliament of Scotland. In Scandinavian languages, terms for bilberries have names with the meaning "blueberry", such as in Swedish and in Danish and Norwegian. whortleberry in southern England,

Description

thumb|Ripe bilberry and leaves

thumb|150px|The interiors of bilberries (top) have dark-colored flesh, while bog bilberries (bottom) have pale flesh.

Bilberries, which are native to Europe, are different from North American blueberries, although the species are closely related and belong to the same genus, Vaccinium. Bilberries grow singly or in pairs rather than in clusters, as American blueberries do, and American blueberries have more evergreen leaves. Bilberries are dark in color, and often appear near black with a slight shade of purple. V. myrtillus bilberry pulp is red or purple, and V. uliginosum bog bilberry pulp is pale-colored. The high anthocyanin content of V. myrtillus may cause staining of the fingers, lips, and tongue. The anthocyanin content of bilberries and bilberry juice may exceed the levels seen in blueberries and blueberry juice.

Species

The term bilberries can describe several closely related species, which (except for V. uliginosum) are part of section Myrtillus: caused by Phytophthora kernoviae. There have been severe outbreaks in Staffordshire, England.

Bilberry is used as a food plant by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species.

Harvesting

thumb|Closeup of bilberries

Bilberries are found in acidic, nutrient-poor soils throughout the temperate and subarctic regions of the world. where the berry is called blåbär (lit. "blueberry", which is a source of confusion with the North American blueberry). Bilberries can be picked by a berry-picking rake like lingonberries, but are more susceptible to damage.

In Iceland, bilberries (known as aðalbláber, or "prime blueberry") grow predominantly in Westfjords and the surrounding area. In most of the country, the subtype bog blueberry occupies the same habitat. Both species are commonly found growing with dwarf birch and crowberries. Wild growth is vast compared to the population of Iceland and wild harvesting is legal, and a common activity in August when the berry season peaks.

In Ireland, bilberries (known as fraochán) were traditionally gathered on the last Sunday in July, known as Bilberry Sunday, for the Celtic harvest festival of Lughnasadh, which marked the end of the hungry month of July.

Uses

thumb|Bilberry pie, tarte aux myrtilles

The fruits are eaten fresh or made into jams, fools, juices, or pies.

References

de:Heidelbeere<!--Do not delete. Cannot be connected through Wikidata as de:Heidelbeere is already combined with en:Vaccinium myrtillus.-->