Are Partridge Berries and Lingonberries the Same Thing? A Botanical Breakdown

Despite being called 'partridgeberry' in some parts of North America, the plant often referred to is not the same as the lingonberry used in Scandinavian cuisine. The botanical reality is that these are two distinct species with different growth habits, flavors, and uses.

Quick Summary

Though confusingly sharing a common name, partridge berries and lingonberries are two different species with distinct plant characteristics, habitats, and culinary properties.

Key Points

• Not the Same Species: Partridge berries (Mitchella repens) and lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) are two distinct plants from different botanical families.

• Regional Naming Confusion: In Newfoundland and Labrador, the lingonberry is commonly called 'partridgeberry', but this usage does not apply universally.

• Distinctive Berry Appearance: American partridge berries have two dimples ('eyes') on their surface, while lingonberries have a uniform berry.

• Differing Growth Habits: Partridge berries are a creeping groundcover, whereas lingonberries grow as a low, upright shrub.

• Flavor Profile Varies: Lingonberries are intensely tart and acidic, while American partridge berries are mild and often described as bland.

• Separate Culinary Uses: Lingonberries are a culinary staple for jams and sauces, but the American partridge berry is more often used ornamentally or for traditional medicinal purposes.

The Lingonberry: The True Partridgeberry?

The confusion primarily stems from regional naming conventions. What many in Europe and other parts of the world know exclusively as the lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), Newfoundlanders and Labradorians traditionally call the partridgeberry. This lingonberry, a relative of the cranberry and blueberry, is a small, low-growing evergreen shrub that thrives in acidic soils across boreal and arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Its berries are intensely tart and are highly valued for their high antioxidant and vitamin content. They are a staple in Nordic and other northern cuisines, where they are transformed into jams, juices, sauces for meats, and desserts. The plants themselves are somewhat more upright and less vining than their lookalike counterpart, forming dense mats or colonies over time.

The American Partridge Berry: A Different Plant Entirely

Across much of eastern North America, the name 'partridge berry' refers to a different plant altogether: Mitchella repens. This is a creeping, vining evergreen plant belonging to the madder family (Rubiaceae), not the heather family (Ericaceae) like the lingonberry.

Distinctive features of the American partridge berry include:

• Trailing growth habit: It forms a low-lying groundcover, unlike the more upright lingonberry.
• Unique flowers: It produces pairs of small, fuzzy white flowers in late spring or early summer.
• The 'Two-Eyed' berry: The most telling feature is its fruit. Each berry is formed from the fusion of a pair of flowers, resulting in two distinct dimples or 'eyes' on the surface.
• Flavor profile: While edible, the berries of Mitchella repens are often described as bland or mild-tasting, unlike the tart lingonberry.

Comparison: Partridge Berry vs. Lingonberry

To clear up the confusion, here is a quick comparison table outlining the key differences between the two plants.

Feature	American Partridge Berry (Mitchella repens)	Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea)
Plant Family	Madder Family (Rubiaceae)	Heather Family (Ericaceae)
Growth Habit	Creeping, vining groundcover	Low, upright, evergreen shrub
Leaf Appearance	Small, rounded leaves with a prominent whitish vein	Thicker, leathery, dark green leaves
Flower Appearance	Paired, fuzzy white flowers	Clusters of small, bell-shaped white or pinkish flowers
Berry Appearance	Single berry with two dimples or 'eyes'	Uniform, multi-seeded dark red berry
Flavor	Mild, sometimes described as bland	Intensely tart and acidic
Primary Use	Ornamental groundcover, some traditional medicinal use	Culinary (jams, sauces, juices)
Native Region	Eastern North America	Boreal and Arctic Northern Hemisphere

The Regional Naming Conundrum

This is a classic case of common names causing confusion. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the lingonberry is a significant local fruit, and it's simply known as 'partridgeberry'. This is due to the local wildlife, like the ptarmigan (a type of partridge), eating the berries. However, the same name, 'partridgeberry', is used for the unrelated Mitchella repens in other parts of North America where partridges also eat its berries.

For foragers, gardeners, and culinary enthusiasts, understanding the botanical distinction is crucial. Mistaking the mild Mitchella repens for the intensely tart Vaccinium vitis-idaea could lead to a disappointing jam or a surprising salad. This issue highlights why scientific names are so important for clarity when dealing with plant species.

Conclusion

So, are partridge berries and lingonberries the same thing? The answer is a definitive 'no' from a botanical perspective, though regional use of the name 'partridgeberry' for the lingonberry persists. The next time you encounter a red berry on the forest floor, a quick look at its growth habit (creeping vine vs. upright shrub) and its berries (two-eyed vs. uniform) will reveal its true identity. For culinary purposes, if you are not in Newfoundland and Labrador, a berry labeled 'lingonberry' is what you should seek for a classic, tart taste. A berry labeled 'partridge berry' might just be a mild-flavored woodland groundcover better left for the animals or for its ornamental beauty. For more detailed information, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador provides an excellent resource on their local 'partridgeberry' (lingonberry) production, found here: Partridgeberry - Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are lingonberries sometimes called partridge berries?

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) is widely known by the common name partridgeberry, which is a regional naming convention.

How can you tell the two different plants apart visually?

The easiest way to differentiate them is by their growth habit and berries. Lingonberries are upright shrubs, while partridge berries are trailing vines. A partridge berry also has two distinct dimples or 'eyes' on its fruit, a feature absent on a lingonberry.

Do lingonberries and partridge berries taste the same?

No, they have very different flavors. Lingonberries are intensely tart and acidic, often used in jams and sauces. American partridge berries are notably milder and can be described as bland.

Are both types of berries edible?

Yes, both berries are edible. However, the culinary value and flavor profile differ significantly. Lingonberries are a popular and flavorful ingredient, while American partridge berries are milder and less commonly used for taste.

What is the scientific name for the true lingonberry?

The scientific name for the true lingonberry is Vaccinium vitis-idaea, which is in the same botanical family as cranberries and blueberries.

What is the scientific name for the North American partridge berry?

The scientific name for the North American partridge berry is Mitchella repens, which is part of the madder family, making it unrelated to the lingonberry.

What are some of the medicinal uses associated with these berries?

Historically, Native American groups used the American partridge berry (Mitchella repens) for remedies related to childbirth and other conditions. Lingonberries are noted for their high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with some studies suggesting benefits for urinary tract health.