Home > Herbs > Vaccinium Oxycoccos

Oxycoccus palustris

Vaccinium oxycoccos · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (13 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Oxycoccus palustris, scientifically known as Vaccinium oxycoccos, is a perennial evergreen shrub native to acidic peat bogs. Commonly referred to as the small cranberry, this plant produces tart, red berries rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and organic acids, making it highly valued for its diverse therapeutic and nutritional properties.

Family
Ericaceae
Native range
Europe
Parts used
Fruit · Seed
Common names
Bog Cranberry · Marshberry · 6 more
Scientific synonyms
Oxycoccus Palustris · Oxycoccus Intermedius · 48 more

Names

Common Names

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • arándano rojo común

German:

  • Gewöhnliche Moosbeere
  • Gemeine Moosbeere
  • Moosbeere
  • Gewöhnliche Moosbeere
  • Gemeine Moosbeere

French:

  • airelle canneberge
  • atocas
  • canneberge
  • canneberge commune
  • canneberge à gros fruits
  • mocôques
  • petit atoca
  • petite canneberge
  • Myrtille des marais
  • ataca
  • atoca

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Vaccinium oxycoccos

Synonyms

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ericales, it is classified under the family Ericaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Vaccinium.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Ericales WCVP
Family Ericaceae WCVP
Genus Vaccinium WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific presence across several regions in Northern Europe. It can be found growing within the borders of Denmark. The species is also distributed throughout the landscapes of Finland. Furthermore, its range extends to the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. Finally, its geographical reach includes the northern territories of Norway.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as the small cranberry, utilizes various components for its medicinal and nutritional value. The most prominent part is the fruits, which are small, tart berries harvested for their high antioxidant content. Within these berries, the juicy pulp is often extracted to create juices and supplements, while the outer peels contain a concentrated amount of beneficial polyphenols and pigments. Additionally, the tiny seeds found inside the fruit are also rich in essential fatty acids, making the entire berry a complex source of health-promoting compounds.
Plant Part Sources Consensus
fruit Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
seed Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Vaccinium oxycoccos has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Phytosterols, Ursolic acid, squalene.

Chemicals reported in Vaccinium oxycoccos
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
Phytosterols 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Ursolic acid 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
squalene 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Phytosterols

  1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Ursolic acid

  1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

squalene

  1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)