Shrub Indiana Native Arctostaphylos uva-ursi [Bearberry] 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.
Herbaceous Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Massachusetts' [Massachusetts Bearberry] 'Massachusetts' is known for having a large amount of flowers and fruits and its disease resistance to leaf gall and leaf spot. Also has smaller leaves than any other plant in the species.