Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus)
Swedish: Hjortron | English: Cloudberry | Family: Rosaceae
Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus)
Botanical illustration: Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus), in Swedish'Hjortron'.
The cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus), affectionately known as Hjortron in Sweden, is considered the undisputed queen of Nordic berries. It thrives on moist peat bogs and in sparse subarctic swamp forests in the Västerbotten region.
The plant is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Unripe berries are red and hard, while the fully ripe fruits have a characteristic amber-yellow to orange color and a wonderfully creamy-sour aroma.
Facts & Characteristics
- Scientific Name: Moltebeere
- Category / Order: Pflanzen (Flora)
- Nature, Taiga & Waters of Västerbotten: Nature, Taiga & Waters of Västerbotten
- Native to Northern Sweden: Native to Northern Sweden
Questions & Answers (FAQ)
When is the best time to harvest cloudberries in Lapland?
The harvest time is usually between the end of July and mid-August. The berries are ripe when they can be easily separated from the cup and have a golden yellow, soft texture.
Can you pick cloudberries freely in Sweden?
Yes! Under the Swedish Allemansrätten (everyman's right), everyone is allowed to pick freely growing berries for their own use. However, be careful to protect the sensitive moorland.