# Blueberry / blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)

**Swedish: Blåbär | English: Bilberry / Blueberry | Family: Heather family (Ericaceae)**

The blueberry (*Vaccinium myrtillus*), known as **Blåbär**, forms the characteristic green carpet of northern Swedish spruce and pine forests.

Unlike cultivated blueberries, wild Blåbär has a deep, dark blue, juicy flesh full of valuable antioxidants (anthocyanins). In late summer, thousands of Swedes migrate to the forests to harvest.

## FAQs

- **When is peak blueberry season in Lapland?**: August to September is the best harvest time.
- **What distinguishes wild blueberries from cultivated blueberries?**: Wild blueberries are smaller, have red/blue flesh (colors the tongue and teeth!) and have a much more intense aroma.
- **Can you harvest blueberries with a picking comb in Sweden?**: Yes, gentle harvesting with the berry comb (*bärplockare*) is permitted and widespread.
- **What healing properties are attributed to the berry?**: In Sweden, dried blueberries are considered a tried and tested home remedy for gastrointestinal problems.
- **How does the shrub color in autumn?**: In September the leaves turn a fiery red and create a spectacular autumn landscape.
- **Which animals live on blueberries?**: Capercaillie, bears, bank voles and moose feed on the berries and shoots.


## Weitere Informationen

- Botanical illustration: Blueberry / Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), in Swedish'Blåbär'.
- Heather family (Ericaceae)
- Nature, Taiga & Waters of Västerbotten
- Native to Northern Sweden
- The real European blueberry with deep blue flesh. Covers huge areas of the Swedish taiga.
- Most valuable local edible berry