[14][15] Evolutionary biologists have explained the striking geographic distribution of crowberries as a result of long-distance migratory birds dispersing seeds from one pole to the other.

The moth species Glacies coracina, Zygaena exulans, and Hadula melanopa feed on the plant.

[18] Empetrum nigrum has allelopathic properties (e.g. hampering seed germination and root extension of other plants) but the strength of these are dependent on the soil type.

[17] The Dena'ina (Tanaina) harvest it for food, sometimes storing in quantity for winter, sometimes mixed with lard or oil.

[citation needed] The species can also be grown as a ground cover,[21] or as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, notably the yellow-foliaged cultivar 'Lucia'.