Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Friday - November 08, 2013
From: La Conner, WA
Region: Northwest
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Lingonberry 'Ida' Source for Commercial Production in the Pacific NW
Answered by: Anne Van Nest
QUESTION:
I am having difficulty locating a Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) cultivar named 'Ida'. Where can I purchase this plant for commercial production in the Pacific Northwest?ANSWER:
Vaccinium vitis-idaea is a low, creeping shrub with evergreen leaves that is called lingonberry (or Northern mountain-cranberry or cowberry). The reddish-purple fruits are edible, although acidic and somewhat bitter, and are often cooked and used like cranberries. The real treasures are the fruits that overwinter under the snow and are much sweeter in the spring when the snow melts. The species is native from Greenland to Alaska in bogs and rocky areas. It is particularly suited to the climate and soils of the Pacific Northwest.
Ross Penhallegon at Oregon State University Extension in Eugene, Oregon has an article online proclaiming the Lingonberry to be “A great new crop for the Pacific Northwest.” The article outlines the history of the plant and has some good information about commercial growing as well.
For a list of current lingonberry nurseries, contact Ross Penhallegon, OSU Extension Service, 950 West 13 Avenue, Eugene, OR 97402 Phone: 541-682-4243. Email: [email protected]
Cornell University indicates that Raintree Nursery in Morton, WA is a source for ‘Ida’ Lingonberry.
Cornell also has an article on commercial production of lingonberry fruit. They say that ‘Ida’ is a vigorous, upright Swedish cultivar with large red berries (to 1.75 oz.). It was developed in 1997.
Oregon and Washington state have at least 16 acres of lingonberries in commercial production (the largest commercial cultivation in the world), writes Larry Burt and Ross Penhallegon of Oregon State University Extension. They have extensive information about the economics of growing lingonberry.
From the Image Gallery
More Seed and Plant Sources Questions
Source for safe glass mulch in Austin, TX.
August 13, 2010 - Do you know where one can buy locally in Austin the recycled glass mulch that is sold in clean condition, color separated?
view the full question and answer
Need a source for mesquite trees in Albuquerque, NM.
September 14, 2010 - Where can I find mesquite plants to use in landscaping my yard in Albuquerque?
view the full question and answer
Sources for native trees in New Braunfels TX
November 28, 2010 - I live just north of New Braunfels in the Hill Country. I would like to plant the following trees this December:
Anacacho Orchid Tree, American Smoke Tree, Golden Leadball Tree, and perhaps a Laceba...
view the full question and answer
Where to find Yarrow for sale in the area of Ft. Worth TX?
May 05, 2011 - I'm very fond of the native plant called "Yarrow." Where might I find this in the Fort Worth area, and what are the tips for growing it. Seems like I saw it in one of the gardens at the LBJ Wildf...
view the full question and answer
Source for invasive, non-native Lythrum in Indiana
April 28, 2009 - Please help me find where I can purchase Lithrum in Indiana. This is my favorite plant from long ago. I know it has been banned for the last few years. Presently you need a permit to sell Lithrum. I ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |