Family: Ericaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1022 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Empetrum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Subarctic to Subalpine Northern Hemisphere
Description
The Curlew-berry, scientifically recognized as Empetrum nigrum, is a resilient and fascinating plant species predominantly found in the subarctic to subalpine regions throughout the Northern Hemisphere. This hardy plant has adapted to thrive in some of the most challenging environments on Earth, exhibiting a remarkable capacity for survival in cold and often harsh climates. It is part of the Ericaceae family, which encompasses a diverse group of flowering plants known for their association with acidic and nutrient-poor soils.
Curlew-berries are low-growing, evergreen shrubs that typically form dense mats on the forest floor or across tundra landscapes. Their small, needle-like leaves are an adaptation to reduce water loss and protect against the chilling winds common in their native habitats. These leaves, coupled with its robust root system, make the Curlew-berry an excellent ground cover, preventing soil erosion and fostering a microhabitat for other species.
One of the most notable features of Empetrum nigrum is its berries. These small, black fruits are not only attractive but also play a crucial role in the diet of numerous Arctic and subalpine wildlife. Birds, in particular, rely on these vitamin-rich berries for sustenance during the colder months when other food sources are scarce. Beyond their ecological value, Curlew-berries have also been utilized by indigenous communities for various culinary and medicinal purposes, highlighting the plant’s versatility and importance.
Historically noted in the esteemed publication “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by the author Linnaeus, Empetrum nigrum has since gained recognition for its botanical significance. Its historical documentation underscores the enduring interest and study this plant has garnered over centuries, reflecting its integral role in both natural ecosystems and human culture.
In conclusion, the Curlew-berry is a quintessential example of nature’s ingenuity, thriving where few plants can and providing vital ecological functions. From its distinctive physical adaptations to its essential place in the food web, Empetrum nigrum stands as a testament to the resilience and interconnectedness of life in the planet’s northernmost reaches.
Common Names
Dan: almindelig revling, revling
Eng: black crowberry, crakeberry, crowberry, curlew-berry
Deu: schwarze krähenbeere
Fra: camarine noire
Nld: kraaihei
Nor: kreike-bær, krykke-bær, kræke-bær, kræke-lyng, krækling
Swe: kråkbär
En: Curlew-berry, Crakeberry, Black crowberry, Vuorâččâsmyerji, Crowberry, Crowberry agg., Curlewberry, Heathberry, Northern crowberry
Be: Багноўка чорная
Bg: Черен емпетрум
Ca: Empètrum
Zh: 岩高兰
Cs: Šicha černá
Da: Almindelig Revling, Revling
Nl: Kraaihei, Kraaiheide
Eo: Nigra empetro
Et: Harilik kukemari
Fi: Etelänvariksenmarja, Variksenmarja
Fr: Camarine noire, Camarine à fruits noirs, Goules noires, Graines noires, Graines à corbigeaux
De: Krähenbeere, Schwarze Krähenbeere, Gemeine Krähenbeere, Rauschbeere
He: אמפטרומיות
Ik: Paunġaq
Ga: Lus na feannóige
It: Moretta palustre, Empetro nero
Kk: Субүлдірген
Kv: Пончӧд
Ko: 시로미
Lt: Juodoji varnauogė
Ml: എംപെട്രം നൈഗ്രം
Se: Čáhppesmuorji, Muorjedaŋas, Vuorážasmuorji
No: Krekling, Kreike-bær, Krykke-bær, Kræke-bær, Kræke-lyng, Krækling
Fa: سنگروی سیاه
Pl: Bażyna czarna
Ru: Водяника чёрная
Sk: Šucha čierna
Sv: Kråkbär, Kråkris
Uk: Водянка чорна
Cy: Creiglusen creiglus, Creiglusen Creiglus, Creiglys y Mynydd
Synonyms
- Chamaetaxus nigra ((L.) Bubani)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- Albania (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Aleutian Is. (native)
- Altay (native)
- Amur (native)
- Austria (native)
- Belarus (native)
- Belgium (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Buryatiya (native)
- California (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- China North-Central (native)
- Chita (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- Denmark (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- Finland (native)
- France (native)
- Føroyar (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greenland (native)
- Iceland (native)
- Ireland (native)
- Irkutsk (native)
- Japan (native)
- Kamchatka (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Khabarovsk (native)
- Korea (native)
- Krasnoyarsk (native)
- Kuril Is. (native)
- Labrador (native)
- Magadan (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manchuria (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Mongolia (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New York (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- North European Russi (native)
- Northwest European R (native)
- Northwest Territorie (native)
- Norway (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Nunavut (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Poland (native)
- Primorye (native)
- Prince Edward I. (native)
- Québec (native)
- Romania (native)
- Sakhalin (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- Spain (native)
- Svalbard (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Tuva (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Washington (native)
- West Siberia (native)
- Yakutskiya (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Yukon (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Fruit
Taken Oct 27, 2019 by Bertino Laurent (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 4, 2018 by Raimond Törpsch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 20, 2020 by Reinhard Bachmann (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 3, 2017 by Dirk Preusterink (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 16, 2017 by Castiglioni Augusta (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Mar 5, 2022 by Yo Tati (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 21, 2021 by Sar Al (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Britta Sandblom (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 14, 2019 by Renee Louise (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 29, 2021 by Elisabeth Sanglard (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Oct 27, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 6, 1993 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 6, 1993 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 20, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 29, 2021 by Robert Klink (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 23, 2014 by EOL − Wynn Anderson (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 20, 2021 by Martens Willy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 19, 2022 by Caw Vus (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 20, 2019 by Monique Jacquelin (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2021 by ivan fourgon (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 19, 2022 by Caw Vus (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 13, 2021 by Fabon (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 30, 2020 by txuspe (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8925249)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30371508-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Empetrum nigrum L.)
Specifications
Growth form: Stoloniferous
Growth habit: Subshrub, Shrub
Growth rate: Slow
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.8
Ph minimum: 4.3
Light: 7
Atmospheric humidity: 6
Soil nutriments: 2