Kinnikinnick

(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, commonly known as Kinnikinnick or Bearberry, is a low-growing evergreen shrub native to a wide range of habitats including sandy or rocky soils in open woodlands, on forest floors, and in alpine regions across subarctic and temperate North America and Eurasia. It typically forms a dense mat 5-30 cm (2-12 in) high, spreading widely through rooting branches. The small, leathery leaves are shiny and can remain on the plant for 1-3 years. In spring, it produces small bell-shaped flowers that are white or pale pink, which are followed by bright red berries that persist into winter and are a food source for wildlife.

Kinnikinnick is valued for its year-round ornamental interest, with its evergreen foliage, spring flowers, and red berries adding color to the garden. It is an excellent choice for erosion control on slopes due to its extensive root system. This plant is commonly used as groundcover in urban landscapes, naturalized areas, rock gardens, and in native plant gardens. It thrives in full sun to part shade, requires very low to low water once established, and prefers well-drained soils. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and root rot if conditions are too moist.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Subshrub, Shrub
  • Height: 0.5-1 feet
  • Width: 3-6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Sandy or rocky soils in open woodlands, on forest floors, and in alpine regions

Other Names

Common Names: Bearberry, Bearberry Manzanita, Mealberry, Bear-Grape, Mountain-Box, Sandberry, Uva-Ursi, Upland-Cranberry, Hog-Cranberry, Common Bearberry

Scientific Names: , Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Arctostaphylos alpina, Uva-Ursi uva-ursi, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi var. crassifolius, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi f. heterochroma, Arctostaphylos procumbens, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi f. uva-ursi, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi var. monoensis, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi var. pacifica

GBIF Accepted Name: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng.