Vaccinium macrocarpon

Sizes available: 2 quart

Basics: zones 4-8, 4-8" x 12-18" (will spread in optimal conditions), full sun to part shade, light pink blooms in late spring to early summer, edible red berries follow in the fall, new leaves emerge red and also exhibit shades of red as the season cools, needs acidic soil and consistent moisture to do well, but does not need to be planted in a bog.

Common names: Large Cranberry, American Cranberry, Bearberry

Family: Ericaceae

Origin/Distribution: Newfoundland to Manitoba, south to Virginia, Ohio, northern Illinois, and mountainous areas into North Carolina and Tennessee. Is an escapee in other parts on North America and has also naturalized in parts of Europe. Native to Maine.

Habitat: cool, acidic, wet, boggy, periodically inundated soils, also coastal areas

More: Vaccinium macrocarpon is a very low-growing mat-forming shrub with petite, glossy leaves. Deer and rabbit resistant and salt-tolerant. Adaptable to less-than-cranberry-bog conditions. I have neglected some in small pots for a few seasons and they are astonishing me with their adaptable aplomb. The large red fruits are eaten by some birds and small mammals. Also enjoyed by humans usually with added sweetener to make jelly, sauce, or juice. Used dried or fresh in muffins or pastries and as an addition to granola. Has been used medicinally to treat urinary tract infections. Larval host for the Bog Copper butterfly, Lycaena epixanthe, which is native to Maine, but probably won't show up unless you have a bog.

If you have less than ideal conditions, how about a bog planting in a large container? Pitcher plant, Cranberry, one or two Carex that like it wet, Bogbean, etc. That sounds fun. If I try it I will let you know. 

Nursery: Van Berkum

Image credits: illustration from Wikimedia Commons; image of berries by Rob Routlegde; image of trailing branches by Jill Lee - both from Creative Commons via the North Carolina Extension Gardeners Plant Toolbox