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Cranberry – edible wild plant – how to find, identify, prepare, and other uses for survival.

Cranberry groundcover

Cranberry plant (Vaccinium macrocarpon)

Cranberry fruitThe cranberry plant is a low, creeping shrub growing up to 7 feet long and 2-8 inches high.  This plant has slender, wiry stems that are not thickly wooded and have small, tiny evergreen leaves arranged alternately. Its stem creeps along the ground. Its flowers are dark pink with distinct petals and stamens fully exposed and pointing forward.  Some species of Cranberry (there are 3 or 4 different species) have dark pink flowers with a purple central spike on fine, hairy stems.

Cranberry stem and leavesIts fruits are red berries that are larger than the leaves of the plant.  The fruit is initially white but turns a deep red when fully ripe.

Where to find Cranberry plants in the wild

Cranberry plants only grow in open, sunny, wet areas in the colder regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Cranberries are native to North America and can be found growing wild in many areas across the continent. They are typically found in wetland habitats, such as bogs, marshes, and swamps.

In the United States, some of the best places to find wild cranberry plants include the bogs and marshes of Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. In Canada, cranberry plants can be found growing wild in the provinces of British Columbia, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Edible parts of the wild Cranberry plant

The berries are very tart when eaten raw and hence, are usually used as a juice drink or sauce. Cook in a small amount of water and add sugar, if available, to make a jelly.

Other uses for the Cranberry plant

Cranberries may act as a diuretic. They are useful for treating urinary tract infections.

Cranberry plant picture identification guide

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