Various species of Bilberry grow in cooler regions of Europe and North America. It likes acidic, open ground where plants hug the hillsides and forest edges. This hardy, low bush is easy to recognize by its small, bright green, oval leaves with fine serrated edges and dark blue berries that look much like wild low-bush Blueberries.
Bilberry has appeared in European traditions since the Middle Ages, with both berries and leaves gathered as part of everyday use. For leaf teas, herbalists often choose leaves from non-flowering plants, highlighting the softer, green side of the plant. In the cup, Bilberry leaf gives a gentle, herbaceous tea with a hint of woodland berry character ~ a quiet nod to the northern slopes where it grows.
