EMPETRUM, BERRY-BEARING HEATH: A genus of the triandria order, belonging to the monœcia class of plants. In the natural method this genus is ranked by Linnaeus under the 54th order, Miscellanea; and likewise among those of which the order is doubtful. The male calyx is tripartite; the corolla tripetalous; the stamina long; the female calyx is tripartite; the corolla tripetalous; the styles nine; the berry nine-seeded. 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 headache. 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.