Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry)

Extremely winter hardy, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry) is a slow-growing, creeping, evergreen shrub with trailing red stems studded with small, leathery, glossy, obovate, dark green leaves, up to 1 in. long (2.5 cm). The foliage turns red or purple in winter before becoming green again in spring. Pretty clusters of lantern-shaped, white-to-pink flowers hang gracefully from the short red stems in mid to late spring. They last several weeks and are followed by edible, smooth, and glossy berries which ripen to bright red in the fall. Slow to rot, the glistening fruits provide excellent emergency food for birds and mammals throughout winter.

Bearberry makes a very attractive ground cover where few other plants would be happy. Equally lovely when draped over the edge of walls or large rocks.

• Grows up in a bushy, densely-branched shrub up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm) and 3-6 ft. wide or more (90-180 cm). The plant spreads gradually by surface rhizomes to form a mat.
• Full sun to partial shade lover, this plant is easily grown in acidic, moderately fertile, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Grows well in poor, infertile soils. Do not use fertilizers. Perfect for dry, sandy, and rocky soils. Drought tolerant once established. Salt and wind tolerant.
• Excellent ground cover with year-round interest. Perfect for banks and slopes (erosion control), shrub borders, prairies and meadows, rock gardens, or cascading over walls.
• Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
• Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or layering in fall
• No pruning needed
• Choose your site well because it does not like to be transplanted.
• Native to North America, Europe, and Asia.