Etymology: Vaccinium: ancient Latin name for bilberry, origin obscure
Plants: creeping, perennial, 2"-6" tall shrub
Leaves: evergreen, elliptical to oval, tapering at both ends, edges not toothed
Flowers: pink, 4-parted, 1/4" long, lobes deeply parted and turning upward; 2 small, red bracts; inflorescence with 1-4 flowers in a cluster from the upper leaf axils; blooms June-July
Fruits: red berry with many seeds
Habitat: wet; bogs; in sandy soil
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 9, Wetland Indicator = OBL USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USGS - Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center: Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Shrubs: Photos, descriptions, information Virginia Tech Dept. of Forestry, College of Natural Resources: detailed description and photographs Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"