Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Plant Size: 1 Gallon Pot

Name: Bearberry – Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Extremely hardy, Bearberry forms an attractive dense groundcover in situations where few other plants can survive. Bearberry is actually a trailing sub-shrub and less than one foot tall.  A single plant can form a bushy dense mat, 6-12 inches high and spreading 3 – 6 feet.

Type: Herbaceous perennial

Growth Characteristics

Hardiness: Climate zone 2-7

Light Requirements: Full Sun, Partial

Bloom time: April to May

Bloom description: White with tinge of pink

Water Needs: Moist to wet soil can lead to root disease

Soil Preference:  Gravel, Loam, Sand with Dry, Medium moisture

DISEASE, PEST AND DEER RESISTANCE

Once established Bearberry is a highly drought tolerant plant. Deer resistant.

SITE CONSIDERATIONS

Caution is needed in siting this plant as it can easily overwhelm other plants once it gets going (the first year is slow growth). Perfect for rock gardens, it looks great trailing over a garden wall. Plant it along with other plants that are similarly strong spreaders, or perennials that are taller than the bearberry and have a large root system. Sweet Fern is a good companion. Little Bluestem may be a good grass companion. Bearberry does not like to be transplanted, so choose the correct location when planting.

Value to Wildlife and Insects

Bearberry is a host plant for several butterfly species

ADDITIONAL FACTS UNIQUE TO THE SPECIES (IF ANY)

The specific epithet of uva-ursi means bear’s grape in reference to the fact that bears like to eat the fruits of this species.