Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Bearberry

This is a ground-hugging shrub that grows well in sandy soils in full sun. It is an excellent, drought-tolerant, groundcover that produces small pink and white flowers in May or June, followed by red berries in late summer. Bearberry is the main component in many traditional North American Indigenous smoking mixes, known collectively as “kinnikinnick” (Algonquin for a mixture).

Height: 2-6″

Sun Requirements: Full sun to part shade

Water Requirements: Normal to slightly dry soils

Flowers: Small pink and white flowers in May or June

Attracts: Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees

Important Moth Larval Host: Yes

Special Tolerances: Drought, salt, erosion control species