Species common bearberry
Red-brown stalks and  green-red-yellow leaves.

common bearberry

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Also Known As - kinnikinnick
Common bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a stunning plant species with many amazing qualities. Hardy and evergreen, it can tolerate many harsh environmental conditions, making it an ideal choice for manicured landscapes, as well as natural areas. It bears white, pink and occasionally rose-colored flowers and small, red berries which are edible.Not only is bearberry attractive and edible, but it also offers medicinal advantages. It is used as a diuretic, exerting an inhibitory effect on bacteria and viruses, making it an ideal preventative for urinary tract infections. Additionally, its leaves are an outstanding source for tanning. For the gardener who has it all, common bearberry is the perfect addition.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Greenwood Cuttings,Hardwood Cuttings

Hardiness Zone:

2 - 7

Flowers:

White with a pink tinge Flowers

Sun:

Full sun Partial sun

Soil:

Sandy Loamy Rocky

Fruits:

red,pink Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

watering

Common bearberry should be watered about once per week in warm weather, and less often in cooler weather. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. Do not allow any standing water in the soil. The amount of water should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week throughout the growing season.

sunlight

Common bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a small shrub that grows well in partial sun or shade. This plant can tolerate a wide range of conditions and prefers well-drained, moist soil and plenty of sunlight to reach its full potential. The best time of the day for sunlight for this plant is mid to late morning or early afternoon. During these times, the sun is not too hot and the rays are more direct and intense. This is when the plant gets the most direct sunlight, which is important for photosynthesis. Additionally, common bearberry can benefit from a few hours of direct afternoon sunlight. This allows the plant to continue to photosynthesize later in the day. Too much direct sunlight in the middle of the day can be damaging, so an afternoon spot is best for this plant.

pruning

Common bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) should be pruned in early spring, before new growth appears. Prune away dead or diseased wood, any wood that appears to be crossing and crowding, and any growth that appears to be impairing the overall shape of the plant. Bearberry is a low-maintenance garden shrub that does not require extensive pruning but can benefit from occasional maintenance pruning.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Arctostaphylos uva-ursi typically begins in July and continues through September.

Starts Flowering

Common bearberry typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Arctostaphylos uva-ursi typically begins in July and continues through September.

Hardiness Map