Cranberry
Vaccinium macrocarpon ‘Ben Lear’
Cranberry is one of our most popular native fruit plants, but it also has an important place in the garden and ecosystem. This evergreen groundcover reaches just 6″ above the ground. Spreading through runners and with shallow roots, it can intermingle with other perennials without competing too much for underground resources. ‘Ben Lear’ is prized for its large early-ripening and proliferous fruit production. Be sure to plant in adequately moist or wet conditions for the showiest and healthiest plants.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade; moist to boggy soil
Size: 6″ tall, 2′ spread
Zone: 4 – 9
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract long-tongued bees, including some specialist bees; fruits loved by wildlife, including birds and small mammals; larval host for several butterfly and moth species
