Plant Profile: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, commonly referred to as bearberry, is a low-growing perennial shrub that serves as an excellent ground cover option. This hardy plant requires minimal maintenance, thriving in dry to moderately moist conditions and demonstrating good drought resistance. It develops a dense, creeping mat that gradually spreads across the soil. Bearberry produces small, berry-like fruits known as drupes, which, while technically edible for humans, are generally unpalatable and have a mealy texture. These fruits appear in the summer, starting as green and transitioning to red by fall, adding visual interest to the landscape. The leaves are green throughout the growing season but turn a bronze hue in winter, returning to green as spring arrives.

**Spacing:** 12-24 inches apart
**Considerations:** Excess moisture can lead to root diseases
**Preferred Soil:** Light-textured soil
**Growth Habit:** Prostrate, low mat
**Growth Rate:** Slow to moderate