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Native creeping evergreen groundcover shrub
Ericaceae
Native evergreen groundcover for dry, acidic, lean soil
Bearberry
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Bearberry is a native evergreen groundcover shrub that slowly forms a mat of trailing stems. Dark-green leaves may bronze in winter, while pinkish-white spring flowers are followed by red berries valued by birds and mammals. It reaches approximately 10 to 20 cm high by 75 to 150 cm wide (4 to 8 in × 2.5 to 5 ft). Hardy to Zone 2, it prefers acidic, sandy or rocky, lean, sharply drained soil. Strong drought tolerance makes it useful on slopes, in rock gardens, beneath open conifers, and in naturalistic plantings where repeated foot traffic will not damage the stems. For best results, inspect drainage, foliage, and stem progress regularly.
1 gallon
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- Quantity
- 1 gallon
- Exposure
- Full sun to light shade
- Hardiness
- Zone 2
Discover the plant
Common nameBearberry; common bearberry; kinnikinnick
FamilyEricaceae
GenusArctostaphylos
Speciesuva-ursi
TypeNative creeping evergreen groundcover shrub
Botanical nameArctostaphylos uva-ursi
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a native, circumboreal evergreen groundcover shrub that slowly forms a mat of trailing stems. Small leathery dark-green leaves are glossy and often develop bronze tones in winter. In spring, clusters of pinkish-white urn-shaped flowers appear at shoot tips and later become bright-red berries valued by birds and several mammals. Plants generally stand 10 to 20 cm high and can spread 75 to 150 cm (4 to 8 in × 2.5 to 5 ft). Hardy to Zone 2, bearberry provides four seasons of interest while remaining low enough for slopes, rock gardens, and open conifer plantings.
Plant bearberry in full sun or light shade and acidic, sandy or rocky, lean, sharply drained soil. It prefers low to moderate moisture and tolerates drought well after roots establish. Heavy, compacted, or constantly wet ground encourages root disease. Set the crown at soil level, water consistently through the first season, and reduce frequency once trailing stems begin to root. Space plants 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in) apart to form a mat. Avoid rich fertilizer and excessive compost because this species performs better in lean conditions resembling its natural habitat. A thin mineral mulch can keep fruit and foliage clean without holding excess moisture.
Use Arctostaphylos uva-ursi to stabilize a slope, cover sandy soil, edge a rock garden, or carpet the bright base of a conifer planting. Rooting stems hold soil and reduce bare patches, but the plant does not tolerate repeated foot traffic. Choose its position carefully because established bearberry resents transplanting. Prune only dead shoots or stems that extend beyond the intended area, preferably after flowering. Watch for leaf spots and dieback where drainage is poor. The berries are technically edible but dry and mealy; they are far more valuable for wildlife and fall colour. This slow-growing groundcover rewards patience with a durable, natural-looking evergreen mat.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Spacing / density
Space plants 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in) apart. Spacing of 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 in) closes the mat sooner, while 45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in) suits large areas when a slower finish is acceptable. Prepare the entire site before planting and remove perennial weeds because working between rooted trailing stems becomes more difficult after establishment.
Best planting time
In spring after the soil thaws, or in early fall at least six weeks before persistent frost
Propagation
Stem cuttings or layering; seed is slow and requires dormancy treatments
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Acidic, ideally approximately 4.5 to 6.5
Minimum temperature
Approximately -45 °C (-49 °F), Zone 2
Care level
Low after establishment
Drought tolerance
Yes
Watering
Water regularly but not excessively through the first season to establish roots and trailing stems. Then allow the surface to dry slightly between irrigations. A well-rooted plant tolerates drought and mainly needs supplemental water during prolonged hot weather. Avoid frequent irrigation in heavy soil because persistent moisture encourages root decline. Water in the morning and direct moisture toward the soil rather than the foliage.
Soil type
Acidic, sandy, gravelly, or rocky, lean, sharply drained soil is suitable. Bearberry tolerates shallow dry substrate but performs poorly in compacted clay, constantly wet organic matter, and standing water. A slope or rock garden works when the root ball can release excess water quickly. Avoid liming because it raises pH. For best results, inspect drainage, foliage, and stem progress regularly.
Fertilization
Fertilization is generally discouraged. Soil that is too rich promotes soft growth and can reduce the mat’s longevity. When a soil test confirms a genuine deficiency, apply a very light dose of fertilizer for acid-loving plants in spring according to its label. Do not add lime, and avoid thick compost layers that hold moisture around the crown. For best results, inspect drainage, foliage, and stem progress regularly.
Moisture
Low to moderate; very rapid drainage
Seasonal care
In spring, remove dead shoots and confirm that the crown is not buried beneath damp debris. Pinkish-white flowers appear from April to June depending on climate. Weed by hand before stems root throughout the bed. In summer, irrigate only during prolonged dry periods and watch for leaf spots or browning that may signal excess moisture. Berries change from green to red and become a wildlife resource. After flowering, shorten only stems extending beyond the intended area. In fall, remove thick leaves that smother the mat and avoid fertilizer. In winter, allow evergreen foliage to develop bronze tones and prevent piles of heavily salted snow. Throughout the year, avoid foot traffic, compaction, and moving established plants. For best results, inspect drainage, foliage, and stem progress regularly. This attention supports a dense, healthy, lasting mat. For best results, inspect drainage, foliage, and stem progress regularly. This attention supports a dense, healthy, lasting mat. For best results, inspect drainage, foliage, and stem progress regularly. This attention supports a dense, healthy, lasting mat. For best results, inspect drainage, foliage, and stem progress regularly. This attention supports a dense, healthy, lasting mat. For best results, inspect drainage, foliage, and stem progress regularly. This attention supports a dense, healthy, lasting mat. For best results, inspect drainage, foliage, and stem progress regularly. This attention supports a dense, healthy, lasting mat.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
At least 8 to 12 L (2 to 3 US gal), wide and well drained
Bearberry grows well in a trough, planter, or wide shallow container when drainage is excellent. Use a very mineral acidic mix and a pot of at least 8 to 12 L (2 to 3 US gal) with generous drainage holes. Allow stems to trail over the sides, water when the surface dries, and protect the root ball from repeated freezing and thawing.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
6 in (15 cm)
Width / spread
1 m (3 feet)
Flower color
White to pale pink
Foliage color
Glossy dark green, often bronze in winter
Foliage type
Evergreen; small leathery, entire, glossy leaves
Growth rate
Slow
Growth habit
Creeping, mat-forming, low, and progressively rooting
Fragrance
No notable fragrance
Bloom period
Small urn-shaped or bell-like flowers appear in terminal clusters in spring. They are white to pale pink, often with a deeper edge, and hang slightly beneath stem tips. Bees, other pollinators, and sometimes hummingbirds visit the flowers. After pollination, green drupes develop and then become bright red in summer or fall. Flowering is most abundant in strong light on established plants.
Fruiting
Flowers produce round 6 to 10 mm drupes that change from green to bright red between summer and fall. Each berry contains several nutlets. Fruit is technically edible, but its dry mealy flesh is not especially pleasant and is usually left for birds, bears, and small mammals. Seed requires complex scarification and stratification, while cuttings or layering produce more reliable plants.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Pair bearberry with dwarf pines and junipers, lowbush blueberries, wintergreen, fine grasses, decorative lichens, and rock-garden perennials that enjoy acidic, lean, well-drained soil. Avoid vigorous plants or fast groundcovers that can smother its slow stems. Leave small stones or mineral mulch between plants to maintain a dry, natural-looking surface. For best results, inspect drainage, foliage, and stem progress regularly. This attention supports a dense, healthy, lasting mat. For best results, inspect drainage, foliage, and stem progress regularly. This attention supports a dense, healthy, lasting mat.
Plants to avoid
Avoid compacted clay, standing water, thick compost layers, rich fertilizer, liming, foot traffic, and repeated transplanting. Excess moisture can cause root rot, leaf spots, and shoot dieback. Remove leaves that smother the mat and improve drainage before using any treatment. Perennial weeds should be eliminated before planting because they are difficult to remove among rooted trailing stems. For best results, inspect drainage, foliage, and stem progress regularly. This attention supports a dense, healthy, lasting mat. For best results, inspect drainage, foliage, and stem progress regularly.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
How much area does one bearberry plant cover?
A mature bearberry plant generally stands 10 to 20 cm high and can spread 75 to 150 cm wide (4 to 8 in × 2.5 to 5 ft), but growth is slow. To close a mat within a reasonable period, space plants 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in) apart. Spacing of 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 in) suits small areas that should fill sooner, while 45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in) reduces the plant count on a large slope. Weed thoroughly before planting because stems root progressively and make later intervention more delicate. For best results, inspect drainage, foliage, and stem progress regularly.
What soil is best for bearberry?
Bearberry prefers acidic, sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil that is lean and sharply drained. A pH of approximately 4.5 to 6.5 is generally suitable. It tolerates shallow ground and drought after establishment but performs poorly in compacted clay, constantly wet organic matter, and standing water. Do not add lime, and avoid rich compost or fertilizer. On heavy ground, create a mineral mound or choose a sloping rock garden where excess water can drain quickly. Keep the crown at soil level and free of damp debris. A thin gravel mulch is safer than a thick moisture-holding organic layer. For best results, inspect drainage, foliage, and stem progress regularly.
Are bearberry berries edible?
Ripe red berries are technically edible, but their flesh is dry, mealy, and not especially pleasant. They are not recommended as table fruit and should not replace a fruit plant grown for harvest. Their main value is ecological and ornamental: they colour the mat in summer or fall and feed various birds, bears, and small mammals. Leave them in place whenever possible. Do not use leaves or fruit as a home remedy without advice from a qualified health professional, especially for children, pets, pregnancy, or repeated consumption. The plant offered here is intended primarily as an ornamental native groundcover. For best results, inspect drainage, foliage, and stem progress regularly.
Why is my bearberry browning or declining?
Browning accompanied by soft stems or dark roots often indicates excess moisture or poor drainage. Bearberry prefers lean soil that dries slightly between irrigations. Remove thick leaves smothering the crown, reduce watering, and improve water movement. Isolated spots may also come from foliar disease encouraged by limited air circulation. Uniform bronze winter foliage, however, is normal and returns to green in spring. Avoid rich fertilizer, compaction, and foot traffic. Inspect site conditions before applying any treatment. If the root ball remains wet long after rain, moving water away from the site is more useful than adding fertilizer or repeatedly spraying the foliage.
Can bearberry replace a lawn?
Bearberry can replace lawn on a dry slope, in a rock garden, or in a lightly used area, but it cannot tolerate the regular foot traffic expected of turf. Install stepping stones or a path to cross the planting without crushing stems. Prepare the ground by removing all perennial weeds, then space plants 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in) apart. The cover closes slowly, so hand weeding is necessary during establishment. Once the mat forms, it needs no mowing, little fertilizer, and little water. Success depends mainly on acidic, lean, sharply drained soil and enough light to keep growth dense.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Attracts birds
Yes
Native plant
Yes
Supporting wildlife
Red berries feed birds, bears, deer, elk, and small mammals according to region. Foliage hosts several caterpillars, including some elfins and fritillaries. Flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators. Leave some fruit in place and avoid broad-spectrum insecticides when damage remains light. A nearby water source and diverse native flowers broaden habitat value.