Bearberry

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Bearberry, also known as Kinnikinnik, is a low growing sub-shrub that makes an excellent groundcover. This evergreen shrub has trailing growth patterns, forming a mat with its flexible branches. It prefers sandy or rocky soils in northern, mountainous and coastal regions, which it thrives in. Growing Bearberry in rocky or sandy landscapes that’s not compacted or fertilized is best to ensure its survival. It will be hardy if these conditions are met. This plant has been on a significant decline in recent years. Bearberry produces white to pinkish bell-shaped flowers which are pollinated by long tongued native bees. The red berries that follow are consumed by birds and mammals (including bears!). Bearberry is a host plant to the Hoary Elfin, Brown Elfin and Freija Fritillary butterflies.