EMPETRUM, BERRY-BEARING HEATH, a genus of the triandria order, belonging to the dioecia class of plants. There are two species; one of which, viz. the nigrum, which bears the crow-crake berries, is a native of Britain. It grows wild on boggy heaths and mountains. Children sometimes eat the berries; but, when taken in too great quantity, they are apt to occasion a head-ach. Grouse feed upon them. When boiled with alum, they afford a dark purple dye. Goats are not fond of it. Cows, sheep, and horses refuse it.