biostudies-literatureUnknown13(18)Zeidler MBilberry (<i>Vaccinium myrtillus</i> L.) expansion in subalpine and alpine ecosystems is increasing due to climate change and reduced land management. This review examines bilberry traits, environmental responses, and ecosystem impacts. As a stress-tolerant chamaephyte, bilberry thrives in acidic, nutrient-poor soils across various habitats. It propagates effectively through rhizomes and demonstrates a phalanx growth form. Bilberry's growth and distribution are influenced by elevation, soil structure, pH, water availability, and nitrogen content. Mycorrhizal associations play a crucial role in nutrient uptake. The species modifies the microclimate, facilitates litter accumulation, and influences soil microbial communities, affecting nutrient turnover and biodiversity. Bilberry shows moderaPlants (Basel, Switzerland)2633https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11434830biostudies-literatureBilberry Expansion in the Changing Subalpine Belt.PMC11434830Banas MZeidler MfalseBilberry Expansion in the Changing Subalpine Belt.Bilberry (<i>Vaccinium myrtillus</i> L.) expansion in subalpine and alpine ecosystems is increasing due to climate change and reduced land management. This review examines bilberry traits, environmental responses, and ecosystem impacts. As a stress-tolerant chamaephyte, bilberry thrives in acidic, nutrient-poor soils across various habitats. It propagates effectively through rhizomes and demonstrates a phalanx growth form. Bilberry's growth and distribution are influenced by elevation, soil structure, pH, water availability, and nitrogen content. Mycorrhizal associations play a crucial role in nutrient uptake. The species modifies the microclimate, facilitates litter accumulation, and influences soil microbial communities, affecting nutrient turnover and biodiversity. Bilberry shows modera2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Sep2025-04-04T02:43:37.91Z2025-04-04T02:43:37.91ZS-EPMC114348303933960610.3390/plants13182633