Compass Harbor

‘COMPASS HARBOR’
Epetrum nigrum
Compass Harbor is our native Black Crowberry, named for Compass Harbor, Maine, where this specimen
was collected. Compass Harbor is a low growing evergreen ground cover with needle like foliage
resembling the softness of the heather plant. It grows to a mature height of 6 inches and spreading
forming a dense mat of bright sea green foliage during the spring and summer. In the autumn and
beyond the branches are tones of mahogany.
In late spring, inconspicuous bell – shaped flowers are pollinated by moths, butterflies, bees, and flies.
Once pollinated, pea size black berries ripen in late summer. The highly acidic, tasteless berries are
consumed by birds, animals, although humans prefer to blend the acidic berries with other fruits. The
black pigment of the fruits are high in anthocyanins, a benefit of health.
The plants will grow successfully in harsh climates and wide range of soil types and pH. The plant is
drought tolerant for rocky landscapes or can be grown near water locations. Plants are very cold
tolerant to minus 40 F. Plants will grow successfully in zones 3 to 7.