Lily of the valley
Toxic · do not eatIts red berries and broad paired leaves differ, but it grows in the same woods.
Culinary reference
Bilberry.
Vaccinium myrtillus
Also found as European blueberry · Whortleberry
A low heathland shrub with green, angular stems and dark blue berries that stain the fingers.
Sources checked 27 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
Several toxic berries grow in the same heath; check each plant.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 46,579
- People who recorded it
- 15,775
- Most records (northern hemisphere)
- May–Aug
- Records span
- 1971–2026
| January | 488 |
|---|---|
| February | 508 |
| March | 1107 |
| April | 4710 |
| May | 8642 |
| June | 7701 |
| July | 9910 |
| August | 7136 |
| September | 3145 |
| October | 1884 |
| November | 802 |
| December | 546 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
Low shrub with green, ridged, angular stems.
- 02
Small, finely toothed oval leaves that drop in autumn.
- 03
Single dark blue berries with purple flesh throughout.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Bog bilberry
Vaccinium uliginosum has round stems and white-fleshed fruit and is best avoided in quantity.
Use the botanical sourceSelected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Northern and central Europe and northern Asia, in acidic woods and heath.
Watch the plant stage
Fruits ripen in mid to late summer.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Fruit
Eat ripe berries fresh, in pies, or preserved.
Care for the patch
Pick by hand rather than with rakes, which strip shoots.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- Wikipedia · Vaccinium myrtillusBotanical description, range and documented use
- iNaturalist · Vaccinium myrtillusTaxonomy and verified observation records
Checked 27 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction