Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
bearberry
A low-growing evergreen shrub, with oval mid-green leaves. In summer it produces clusters of pale pink bell-shaped flowers, followed by bright scarlet fruit in autumn.
Other common names
barren myrtlebear bilberry
see morebear's grape
box-leaved wintergreen
bralins
brawlins
burren myrtle
coralberry
creashak
crowberry
dandies
fox plum
ground holly
hog cranberry
kinnikinnick
kinnikinnik
mealberry
mountain box
mountain cranberry
rapper
red bearberry
sandberry
upland cranberry
uva-ursi
Synonyms
Arctostaphylos officinalisArbutus uva-ursi
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Arctostaphylos are mainly evergreen, prostrate or upright shrubs or small trees. They have small, simple leaves and sprays of tiny, urn-shaped flowers, followed by spherical berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Temp. N. Hemisphere
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, moderately fertile, lime-free soil in full-sun or partial shade.
Propagation
Propagate from seed soaked in boilding water for 20 seconds. Sow seed in autumn in containers and keep in a cold frame. Root semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by layering shoots in autumn.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Low Maintenance
- Ground cover
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Maybe susceptible to leaf spot
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.