Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Bearberry attracts a variety of wildlife. The flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators, while the berries are a favorite food for birds, such as grouse and songbirds, and small mammals. The dense foliage also offers shelter for small wildlife.

• Seasonality: Evergreen, retaining its leaves throughout the year.
• Flowering Season: Late spring to early summer (April-June)

Fall/Winter Color: The foliage may take on a reddish-purple hue in colder months, adding seasonal interest.

• Groundcover for slopes, erosion control, and rocky or sandy soils
  
• Excellent in naturalistic plantings, woodland gardens, or native plant landscapes
  
• Understory planting beneath trees or shrubs
  
• Ideal for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens
  
• Performs well in coastal and alpine settings
  
  

• Foliage: The leaves are small, thick, and leathery, with a dark green color that remains year-round. Each leaf is oval-shaped with a glossy texture, forming a dense mat of foliage. In colder weather, the leaves may turn a reddish-bronze, providing additional seasonal interest.

• Flowers: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi produces small, urn-shaped, pinkish-white flowers in clusters. These delicate blooms appear in late spring and early summer, adding a soft touch of color to the plant. The flowers are followed by bright red berries in late summer to fall.

• Planting Season: Best planted in spring or early fall to allow time for the roots to establish.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, acidic, sandy, or rocky soils. It thrives in poor soils and can tolerate drought and nutrient-poor conditions.
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for spreading and to create a dense groundcover.

Planting Instructions:

1. Prepare the soil by loosening it and amending it with organic matter if needed.
2. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but only as deep as the root ball.
3. Place the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball at soil level.
4. Backfill with soil, tamp down gently, and water thoroughly.

Pruning is not usually necessary, but light pruning can be done in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches. Prune to shape the plant or control its spread if needed.

Once established, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. During the first growing season, water regularly to help the plant establish deep roots. After that, only water during prolonged dry periods.

Thrives in full sun to partial shade. For best results, plant in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate some shade but will grow more slowly in lower light conditions.

The berries of Bearberry are edible and have been traditionally used in herbal medicine. However, they are quite tart and are typically used in jams or jellies. If harvesting for consumption, collect the berries in late summer or early fall when they are fully ripe.

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi does not require fertilization, as it thrives in poor, nutrient-deficient soils. However, you can apply a light layer of compost in spring to encourage healthy growth if desired. Avoid using chemical fertilizers, as they may harm the plant's natural ability to thrive in tough conditions.

• Mulching: Apply a light layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, control weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Bearberry is highly resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance choice for groundcover.
• Winter Care: No special winter care is needed. Bearberry is highly cold-hardy and can withstand harsh winter conditions without losing its foliage.

• Pollination Type: Self-fertile, but insect activity improves fruit set
  
• Flowers: Small, urn-shaped, white to pink blossoms bloom in spring (April–May)
  
• Pollinators Attracted:
  
• Native bees, honeybees, and some butterflies
  
• Fruit: Red berries appear in late summer to fall; eaten by birds and wildlife
  
• Wind does not play a major role; bee pollination is primary
  
  

Pair Bearberry with other native or low-water-use plants that thrive in acidic, well-drained soils:

🌲 Evergreens & Shrubs

• Vaccinium vitis-idaea (Lingonberry) – Edible red berries and similar growth habit
  
• Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen) – Low-growing with aromatic leaves and red berries
  
• Rhododendron or Azalea – For varied height and spring flowers
  
• Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel) – Acid-loving and shade tolerant
  

🌾 Grasses & Perennials

• Carex pensylvanica – Native sedge for soft texture
  
• Eriogonum umbellatum (Sulphur Buckwheat) – Great for dry, rocky areas
  
• Heuchera americana – Adds foliage contrast in partial shade

• Lupinus perennis – Wild lupine that adds nitrogen and blooms