ARCTOSTAPHYLOS UVA-URSI / BEARBERRY

ARCTOSTAPHYLOS UVA-URSI / BEARBERRY

A Low-Growing, Evergreen Ground Cover with Year-Round Interest

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, commonly known as Bearberry, is a hardy, evergreen ground cover prized for its trailing habit, small leathery leaves, and delicate pinkish-white flowers. Blooming in spring, these urn-shaped flowers attract pollinators, followed by bright red berries in late summer that provide food for birds and wildlife. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, Bearberry thrives in sandy, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for erosion control, rock gardens, and naturalized landscapes.

Why Choose Bearberry?

• Evergreen Foliage: Glossy, dark green leaves turn reddish-bronze in fall and winter.

• Pollinator & Wildlife Friendly: Spring flowers attract bees, while berries provide food for birds.

• Drought-Tolerant & Low Maintenance: Thrives in dry, poor soils with minimal care.

• Excellent for Erosion Control: Spreading habit helps stabilize sandy or rocky slopes.

Key Features

• Delicate Pinkish-White Flowers: Small, bell-shaped blooms add charm in spring.

• Bright Red Berries: Provide ornamental interest and a food source for wildlife.

• Trailing Growth Habit: Forms a dense, mat-like ground cover.

• Cold Hardy & Adaptable: Withstands harsh climates and poor soils.

Specifications

• Plant Size: Grows 6–12 inches tall and spreads 3–6 feet.

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 2–7, well-suited for northern climates.

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.

• Soil Requirements: Requires well-drained, sandy or rocky soils; highly drought-tolerant.

Ideal Uses

• Ground Cover & Erosion Control: Ideal for stabilizing sandy or rocky slopes.

• Wildlife & Pollinator Gardens: Provides food for birds and nectar for bees.

• Rock Gardens & Dry Landscapes: Thrives in challenging, low-water conditions.

• Naturalized Areas: Spreads easily for a maintenance-free, native planting.

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is a resilient, evergreen ground cover that offers year-round beauty with minimal effort. Whether used for erosion control, wildlife support, or adding texture to dry landscapes, Bearberry is a versatile and dependable choice.

• NATIVE TO ONTARIO