How do crowberries differ from blueberries?

December 24, 2025 •

3 min read

Although sometimes mistaken for one another, crowberries and blueberries belong to different plant genera and have distinct characteristics, despite both being found in northern ecosystems. While the blueberry is a well-known grocery store staple, the crowberry is a lesser-known wild fruit celebrated in arctic regions for its unique properties and resilience.

Quick Summary

Crowberries are low-growing shrubs with milder, more acidic berries that thrive in cold climates, while blueberries are sweeter, cultivated bushes with a different leaf structure and a more intense flavor.

Key Points

Botanical Difference: Crowberries are from the genus Empetrum, while blueberries are from the genus Vaccinium, though both are in the same plant family, Ericaceae.
Flavor Profile: Crowberries have a mild, watery, and sometimes tart or bitter taste that often improves after a frost, while blueberries are known for their strong, sweet flavor.
Appearance and Foliage: Crowberry shrubs are low-growing with evergreen, needle-like leaves, and the berries have a distinct three-leaf cluster at the base. Blueberry plants are taller, with broad leaves and a five-pointed star shape on the berry.
Nutritional Content: Both are rich in antioxidants, but crowberries are noted for having exceptionally high antioxidant scores and fiber content, sometimes exceeding that of many blueberries.
Culinary Use: Crowberries are typically cooked to enhance their flavor for uses like jams and juices, whereas blueberries are commonly enjoyed both fresh and cooked.
Growing Conditions: Crowberries thrive in harsh, arctic climates and poor soils, forming dense mats, while blueberries have more specific soil and climate needs.

Beyond the Blueberry Basket: Understanding the Differences

The world of berries is vast and varied, but few pairings cause as much confusion as the crowberry and the blueberry. Both are small, dark, and packed with health benefits, yet they are not interchangeable. A closer look at their botanical makeup, physical appearance, taste, and nutritional profiles reveals how different they truly are.

Core Differences Between Crowberries and Blueberries

Botanical Classification

Blueberries belong to the Vaccinium genus within the Ericaceae family. There are multiple types, including highbush and lowbush varieties, all characterized by their bell-shaped flowers and specific fruit development. Crowberries, on the other hand, belong to the Empetrum genus, also in the Ericaceae family, but are a separate species altogether. This difference in genus is a fundamental distinction that explains many of their variations.

Appearance and Growth Habits

One of the easiest ways to tell the two plants apart is by their growth habit and foliage. Blueberries typically grow on upright, deciduous shrubs that can reach significant heights, with broad, ovate leaves. Crowberry plants are low-growing, mat-forming evergreen shrubs with unique, spiraling, needle-like leaves that are tough and leathery. The berries themselves also have distinguishing features:

Crowberries: Small, dark berries with a tiny dot and three yellowish leaves at the base where they attach to the plant. Inside, they contain several small greenish seeds.
Blueberries: Larger, blue-colored berries with a distinct five-pointed star shape on the blossom end.

Taste and Culinary Experience

The flavor profile is one of the most notable differences. Blueberries are famously sweet and juicy, offering a flavorful 'pop' when eaten fresh. Crowberries, however, have a reputation for being more mild, watery, and sometimes acidic or bitter, with an herbal, forest-like flavor. The taste of crowberries is often said to improve after a frost, which increases their sweetness. Due to this, crowberries are more commonly cooked into jams, jellies, juices, and wine, rather than being eaten raw.

Nutritional Profile and Health Benefits

Both berries are considered superfoods due to their high antioxidant content, but their specific nutritional strengths differ. Crowberries have been noted for their high levels of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, and are also a great source of fiber. Some studies have even found higher antioxidant levels in crowberries than in certain blueberries. Blueberries are widely recognized for their flavonoids and antioxidants, known to support heart and cognitive health.

Growing Conditions and Geographical Range

Crowberries are extremely hardy and grow on creeping evergreen shrubs native to cool, subarctic, and arctic regions across the northern hemisphere. They are tolerant of harsh climates, including drought and wind, and can grow in rocky, sandy, or peat soils. Blueberries also thrive in acidic soils but require more specific cultivation, including well-drained soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.0.

Comparison Table: Crowberries vs. Blueberries


Characteristic	Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum)	Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.)
Plant Type	Low-growing, mat-forming evergreen shrub	Upright, deciduous shrub
Foliage	Small, needle-like leaves in a spiral arrangement	Broad, ovate leaves
Berry Attachment	Three yellowish leaves at the base	Five-pointed star-shaped crown
Taste	Mild, watery, sometimes acidic or bland; improves after frost	Sweet, juicy, and intense flavor
Habitat	Arctic and subarctic regions; harsh, acidic soil	Temperate climates; specific acidic soil requirements
Primary Use	Traditionally cooked for preserves, juice, or wine	Widely eaten fresh, in baked goods, and as preserves
Key Nutrients	Very high in fiber and antioxidants (anthocyanins)	High in antioxidants (anthocyanins) and Vitamin C

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Berry for You

Ultimately, whether you prefer crowberries or blueberries depends on your taste and needs. While blueberries are the reliable, sweet-tart choice for fresh eating and most baking, crowberries offer a unique, milder flavor best appreciated in jams, wines, and other cooked applications. Their superior antioxidant content and high fiber make them a nutritional powerhouse, especially for those in cooler climates where they are native. For those who enjoy foraging or have a particular interest in regional wild edibles, understanding these distinctions is key. Both berries contribute to a healthy diet and showcase the diverse flavors of nature's bounty.

Interested in the health benefits of crowberries? Learn more from the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, crowberries are edible raw, though their flavor is often mild, watery, and can be bland or slightly bitter, unlike the sweeter taste of raw blueberries. Many people prefer to cook them or wait until after the first frost to enhance the flavor.

Look at the foliage and growth habit. Crowberry plants are low-growing, mat-forming evergreen shrubs with small, needle-like leaves. Blueberry plants are taller shrubs with broad, ovate leaves. The berries also differ, with crowberries having a three-leaf cluster at their base and blueberries having a five-pointed star-shaped crown.

Crowberries are packed with antioxidants and fiber, and some tests have shown them to have an exceptionally high antioxidant score, potentially higher than some blueberries. Both are very healthy, but crowberries offer a unique nutritional punch, especially in their native habitats.

Crowberries have a milder, more watery flavor with herbal notes and can be slightly bitter or acidic, lacking the strong sweet punch of a blueberry. Freezing or cooking significantly improves the taste of crowberries.

Due to their mild flavor, crowberries are most often used in cooked applications like jams, jellies, juices, and wine, where their flavor can be concentrated and sweetened. They are also used in baked goods and traditional dishes in arctic regions.

Crowberries are native to the arctic and subarctic regions of the northern hemisphere, including areas in North America, Asia, and Europe. They are exceptionally hardy plants that can survive harsh, cold climates.

While you can, expect a different flavor result. The substitution is best done in recipes where the berries are cooked, such as jams or baked goods, as the milder flavor of the crowberry will be less noticeable. In recipes requiring the strong, sweet flavor of fresh blueberries, crowberries are not an ideal substitute.