Bilberry

Bilberry (/ˈbɪlbəri/), also known as European blueberry, is a Eurasian low-growing shrub in the genus Vaccinium of the flowering plant family Ericaceae native to northern Europe and North America. Vaccinium myrtillus L. is the species most commonly called bilberry, but other closely related Vaccinium species may also have this name.

The plant produces edible, dark blue berries, which resemble – but are distinct from – North American blueberries. The dark blue color of bilberries derives from the high content of anthocyanins.

Well known in folklore, bilberry extracts and dried powders are sold as dietary supplements promoted mainly for eye disorders, although there is no substantial clinical evidence that consuming bilberry fruit or its preparations provides any health benefits.