Kinnikinnick Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Known as common bearberry, this native evergreen is a low growing perennial shrub that can be effectively used as a ground cover. Its natural habitat includes rocky sites, open woods, dry areas, sandy hills and mountain ranges. Its scientific name comes from the Greek arctos meaning 'bear' and staphyle translating to 'grape.' As the names indicate, the fruits of this plant are enjoyed by the local bear population. The berries are also suitable for human consumption, however, they are seldom eaten due to their lack of flavor.  

Soil surrounding the plant should not be compacted. Fertilization is discouraged.  

It does not like to be transplanted, so choose the correct location when planting. Propagation is best done with stem cuttings, they can be placed in sand or propagating by layering.

It is low maintenance and prefers dry to moderate moisture and is drought tolerant. It does not do well in eastern US because of wet, humid summer weather. The plant forms a low, creeping, mat-like cover to the soil and grows slowly. This plant produces drupes, a small berry-like fruit which, though technically edible by humans, are not considered to have a desirable flavor and are rather mealy. These fruits do provide an interesting visual and are produced in the summer with a green color, which matures to red in the fall. The foliage is also green, however in the winter the leaves turn a bronze color but will regain their green foliage come spring. Other attractive features include the exfoliating bark and white flowers. 

Bearberry is an important food source for butterflies, serving as a host plant for Hoary Elfin (Callophrys polios), Brown Elfin (Callophrys augustinus), and Freija Fritillary (Boloria freija) larvae.

Space: 12-24 inches apart

Issues: moist to wet soil can lead to root disease

Site:  light-textured soil

Form: Prostrate low mat

Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious issues.

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University