Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Red bearberry is a unique and hardy plant. Though slow-growing, when sited correctly it easily forms a mat and outcompetes many other species. Semi-evergreen leaves change color throughout the seasons. Small flowers are followed by red berries that stay on the plant into the winter when they serve as forage for birds and other mammals, though the plant itself is deer resistant. Also called by its Algonquin name kinnikinnick, it’s been used for various edible and medicinal applications. Bearberry is actually a sub-shrub and rarely grows over a foot, but thrives in full sun and dry sandy, gravelly, or rocky soils. It prefers acidic soils and will not grow in clay; do not fertilize! Larval host to Hoary Elfin, Brown Elfin, and Freija Fritillary caterpillars.
Zone: 2-7 (Map)
Habitat: Dry, sandy soils. Part shade to full sun.
Growth: 6-12” tall, 3-6’ spread.
Red bearberry shrubs are deer resistant, thrive in difficult conditions, and provide great winter forage.
Red bearberry shrubs are deer resistant, thrive in difficult conditions, and provide great winter forage.
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Red bearberry is a unique and hardy plant. Though slow-growing, when sited correctly it easily forms a mat and outcompetes many other species. Semi-evergreen leaves change color throughout the seasons. Small flowers are followed by red berries that stay on the plant into the winter when they serve as forage for birds and other mammals, though the plant itself is deer resistant. Also called by its Algonquin name kinnikinnick, it’s been used for various edible and medicinal applications. Bearberry is actually a sub-shrub and rarely grows over a foot, but thrives in full sun and dry sandy, gravelly, or rocky soils. It prefers acidic soils and will not grow in clay; do not fertilize! Larval host to Hoary Elfin, Brown Elfin, and Freija Fritillary caterpillars.
Zone: 2-7 (Map)
Habitat: Dry, sandy soils. Part shade to full sun.
Growth: 6-12” tall, 3-6’ spread.
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