Definition

Noun: 1. A low-growing evergreen shrub (Vaccinium uliginosum): A plant characterized by its ability to thrive in acidic, boggy, or peaty soils. It is known for its tough, leathery leaves and produces small, dark blue to black edible berries. 2. The edible berry of this shrub: The small, dark fruit produced by the bog bilberry plant.

Usage

• The term bog bilberry is used specifically to refer to the plant species and its fruit. It distinguishes it from other bilberry or blueberry species by its preferred habitat (bogs) and its evergreen, leathery foliage.
• It functions as a compound noun. The primary word is "bilberry," modified by "bog" to specify the type.

Examples

• Noun (Plant):
  • We identified several patches of bog bilberry growing in the peatland.
  • The bog bilberry shrub is well-adapted to cold, wet environments.
• Noun (Fruit):
  • The foragers collected a basket of bog bilberries to make jam.
  • These bog bilberries have a slightly tart flavor.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific/Common Name Distinction: In botanical contexts, the scientific name is often used alongside or instead of the common name "bog bilberry" for precision.
• Habitat Indicator: The presence of bog bilberry is sometimes used as an indicator species for certain types of wetland ecosystems.

Variants and Related Words

• Northern bilberry: Another common name for the same species ().
• Bog blueberry: A regional name used interchangeably in some areas.
• Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus): A related but distinct species, typically found in drier, woodland habitats and with deciduous leaves.
• Blueberry: A common name for various species in the genus, often with larger, cultivated fruits.

Synonyms

• Noun (Plant/Berry): Northern bilberry, bog blueberry, .

Notes on Meaning

The term specifically denotes a plant adapted to boggy conditions. It should not be confused with the more common bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), which prefers different habitats. The key distinguishing features are its evergreen, leathery leaves and its preference for wet, acidic peatlands.

Noun

1. an evergreen shrub with leathery leaves