How to Identify Crowberry

Food is difficult to find on the tundra. Luckily, some edible plants are able to survive in this harsh climate. Crowberry can help keep you alive in parts of the world where any source of nutrition is hard to come by, if you can find it. In the odd chance that you are stranded on the tundra, the crowberry is a plant you'll be glad you can identify. Read on to learn how to identify crowberry.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Find a region of tundra or, if possible, a spruce forest. Crowberry shrubs grow in these places in North America and Eurasia. Food is scarce on the tundra, so a shrub with berries, though otherwise small and inconspicuous, will probably stand out to the discerning hiker.

2. Look for a small evergreen shrub with small, dry, black berries. Like most plants on the tundra, crowberry shrubs will grow close to the ground, and sometimes form a mat on the ground. Crowberry plants have short needle-like leaves that remain green throughout the year.

3. Eat the berries raw, or cook them to improve their flavor. Crowberries can also be made into a jam to preserve them and make them sweeter and more palatable. The berries will hang on the bush throughout the winter, making them a good survival food when other plant-based food is usually unavailable.

4. Boil or steep the leaves and stems in hot water to make a tea that can alleviate diarrhea or upset stomach.

Tips & Warnings

• When eating any wild plant, positive identification is essential to prevent poisoning.

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