Arctostaphylos uva-ursiIndiana Native
Bearberry

Family:

Ericaceae (Heath Family) 30

Genus:

Arctostaphylos (Bearberry Kinnikinnick Mealberry Hog Cranberry Sandberry Bear's Grape) 2

Plant Type:

Shrub 468

Growth Forms:

Prostrate / Creeping / Mat-Forming 24

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 2 52

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Semi-evergreen 26

Flower Notes:

Multi-Colored (Urn-shaped, white to pink flowers in spring)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Dark green semi-evergreen foliage; may turn brown or reddish in fall/winter)

Stem Notes:

Red/Burgundy (showy)

Fruit Notes:

Red (Fruits (0.25-0.33" dia.) are bright red and develop in late summer)

Ultimate Height:

6-12 feet

Ultimate Spread:

2-4+ feet

Bloom Times:

May 195

Light Requirements:

Soil Water Requirements:

Dry to medium 50

Soil Notes:

Often found growing in dry sand or stony soils with a low pH (4.5-5)

Range:

Northern regions of North America, Europe, and Asia

Maintenance:

Low 271

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Alternate, obovate, simple leaves (0.5-1.25" long and 0.25-0.5" wide), evergreen, with dark green color, and glabrous, shiny surfaces.

Ecological Functions:

Special Characteristics:

Pest and/or Disease Resistant 96

Salt Tolerant 60

Additional Information

Hard to establish, can develop winter burn from sun and wind when cold. Does not like excessive summer heat. Can develop foliar diseases (leaf spot) when stressed. Leaves are used to make a tea in some parts of Russia, where it is known as Kutai and Caucasian Tea. The dried leaves have been used to treat diseases of the bladder and kidney, and inflammatory diseases.