The bilberry(Vacinium myrtillus)grows so abundantly in high places such as mountain forests and moors that in some areas it has ousted rival plants,such as heather,to form"bilberry moors".A lover of poor,acid soil,the bilberry is a provider to a variety of animal species.In spring its nodding,lantern-like,green and pink flowers are an important source of early season nectar for bumble bees,and one species has been named the bilberry bumble bee because of its affinity for the plant's flowers.Various species of moth larvae feed on the leaves,and in autumn its sweet,black berries offer a rich harvest for a variety of birds,most notably the red grouse.
展开▼
