Bearberry
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Also listed as Arctostaphylos adenotricha, Arbutus uva-ursi
Also known as Kinnikinnick, Kinnickinnick, Mealberry
Climate Match for your location
See how well Bearberry grows in your area.
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A low-growing evergreen groundcover with small pink or white flowers followed by bright red berries. Extremely hardy and drought-tolerant, it's ideal for alpine gardens, rocky slopes, and sandy soils.
Why grow it
Bearberry outperforms most groundcovers in poor, sandy, or gravelly soils where fertility and moisture are limited. Its tolerance for full sun and exposed sites makes it useful where other creeping species struggle, particularly in northern climates and high-altitude gardens. The persistent red berries provide winter food for wildlife when other sources are scarce.
Watch out for
Establishment can be slow, typically requiring 2-3 seasons to achieve full ground coverage. Plants are sensitive to root disturbance and heavy foot traffic once established, so site placement should account for intended use patterns. In warmer zones or humid climates, watch for occasional fungal leaf spot issues, particularly if air circulation is poor.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ericaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia
Native to: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A low-growing evergreen groundcover with small pink or white flowers followed by bright red berries. Extremely hardy and drought-tolerant, it's ideal for alpine gardens, rocky slopes, and sandy soils.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Bearberry grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Bearberry outperforms most groundcovers in poor, sandy, or gravelly soils where fertility and moisture are limited. Its tolerance for full sun and exposed sites makes it useful where other creeping species struggle, particularly in northern climates and high-altitude gardens. The persistent red berries provide winter food for wildlife when other sources are scarce.
Watch out for
Establishment can be slow, typically requiring 2-3 seasons to achieve full ground coverage. Plants are sensitive to root disturbance and heavy foot traffic once established, so site placement should account for intended use patterns. In warmer zones or humid climates, watch for occasional fungal leaf spot issues, particularly if air circulation is poor.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ericaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia
Native to: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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