Bearberry
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Also called: Kinnikinnick
Bearberry. Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, commonly called bearberry or kinnikinnick, is a low evergreen mat-forming shrub native to cold and montane regions across the northern United States. Trailing woody stems form dense groundcover carpets of small leathery leaves, bearing pink-white urn-shaped flowers in spring and bright red berries in fall that persist into winter and feed birds and, as the name suggests, bears. An excellent native groundcover for difficult cold, dry, sandy sites.
Growing & care
- Sun: full sun to part shade.
- Water: very low once established; drought-tolerant. Resents wet feet.
- Soil: sandy, gritty, acidic, lean, sharply drained. Will not tolerate rich, heavy, or alkaline soil.
- Hardiness: USDA zones 2–6 — exceptionally cold-hardy but intolerant of southern heat and humidity.
- Spacing: 24–36 inches; spreads slowly to form a dense mat.
- Establishment: notoriously slow and finicky to establish — buy container plants, keep evenly moist the first season, then leave alone.
Propagation
Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer root slowly under mist with rooting hormone — patience required. Layering works where trailing stems touch soil. Seed needs scarification and a long cold stratification and is unreliable for home growers; cuttings or purchased plants are the practical route.
Common problems
The single biggest challenge is establishment — bearberry sulks in rich soil, alkaline conditions, heat, or wet ground, and many plantings fail in the first year. Match the native conditions (cool, acidic, lean, well-drained) and resist fussing once established. Leaf spot and black mildew appear in poor airflow. Non-toxic to dogs and cats; the berries are edible but mealy. Once happy, it is a durable, deer-resistant, low-maintenance groundcover for cold-climate slopes and sandy banks.
Bearberry — seeds, tools & books
Native range
Native to 23 states
