The Crowberry is usually thought of as a mountain plant and has two sub species which are very similar. The leaf length and shape of the plant from mountain indicates ssp hermaphroditum and the ones photographed at sea level are certainly ssp nigrum.

As can be seen from the photograph the spring blooming flower on this plant is very small but produces much larger fruit which can be seen in the photo. This is a common plant in Scotland and Wales where it thrives in the hills. It is also found in Ireland in the north and in northern England but there is little recorded in central and southern England.

LHS and Middle: Spey Bay, 14th May 2007 RHS: Fraoch bheinn 8th June 2006

Added on 28th June 2006, updated 28th December 2008, updated 29th March 2010