Photographs: Ballingeary, Co. Cork

Bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus Fraochán Family: Ericaceae Flowering: April-June. Fruiting: July-August. Deciduous shrub. Native. Pink-red buds followed by solitary, drooping greenish-pink/white flowers. The edible berries are black-purple when ripe. Grows as an erect bushy shrub with pale-green, finely toothed oval leaves on twiggy stems. Height: 20-60 cm Common on mountains, moors, heaths and in acid woodland.

Bilberry, Vaccinium myrtillus, Fraochán