Common Names: Bilberry, European bilberry, whortleberry, huckleberry Scientific Name: Vaccinium myrtillus Background • Bilberry is a shrub native to the cooler regions of Europe, northern areas of the U.S., and parts of Canada. Its berries are dark blue and look similar to blueberries. Both its fruit and leaves have a history of medicinal use. • The fruit and leaves have been traditionally used for eye health, to manage blood sugar, and for heart-related conditions. During World War II,