Cloudberry (hjortron) Rubus chamaemorus
Cloudberry (hjortron) (Rubus chamaemorus) is a deciduous perennial fruit plant in the Rosaceae family, native to Arctic and boreal bogs of the Northern Hemisphere. It grows 10–25 cm (4–10 in) tall and 30 cm–1 m (12 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about -45 °C (-49 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Cloudberry (hjortron) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Mature height | 10–25 cm (4–10 in) |
| Mature spread | 30 cm–1 m (12 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance high |
| Soil pH | 3.5–5.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -45 °C (-49 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 2) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 24 °C (75 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: berries (jam with waffles; liqueur) |
| Native to | Arctic and boreal bogs of the Northern Hemisphere |
| Common in gardens of | 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇷🇺 Russia |
Is Cloudberry (hjortron) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Cloudberry (hjortron)
Good neighbours
- good With Garlic chives: Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal. Evidence D
Keep apart or take care
- caution With English lavender: Acid-loving plants need pH 4.5–5.5, lavender prefers neutral to alkaline soil; one bed cannot suit both. Evidence B
Questions about Cloudberry (hjortron)
- How far apart should I plant Cloudberry (hjortron)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30 cm–1 m (12 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Cloudberry (hjortron) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Cloudberry (hjortron) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance high.
- How cold-hardy is Cloudberry (hjortron)?
- It tolerates about -45 °C (-49 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 2.
- When does Cloudberry (hjortron) flower?
- From about June for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Cloudberry (hjortron) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Cloudberry (hjortron)?
- Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Norwegian species and red-list information, Artsdatabanken
- VASCAN: Database of Vascular Plants of Canada, Canadensys / Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre
Notes and assumptions
- The prized amber berry of Scandinavian bogs (on the Finnish 2-euro coin). Male and female plants; very hard to fruit in gardens.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Strawberry Fragaria x ananassa
- Dwarf apple tree Malus domestica
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis
- Raspberry Rubus idaeus
- Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg.
- Garden rose Rosa x hybrida
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata