Groundcover

Bearberries are classified under the genus Arctostaphylos, which comes from the Greek words arktos (bear) and staphylos (a bunch of grapes). The uva-ursi addition to its Latin name means “berry-of-bear.” In everyday life, it is most commonly referred to as “bearberry,” but this shrub also has a variety of other names, including the following:

• Kinnikinnick (Algonquian)
• Sandberry
• Red bearberry
• Bilberry
• Bear’s bilberry
• Bear’s grape
• Raisin d’ours (French)
• Mealberry
• Hog cranberry

Bearberries are a hardy, evergreen plant, withstanding some of the toughest climate conditions all year round. Low maintenance and able to grow in some of the poorest soils, it is an excellent option for areas that struggle to grow plants of any kind. However, there are a few things you should know about planting and growing bearberries in order to get the most out of them.

When to Plant

It is highly recommended that they be planted in the springtime.

Where to Plant

They can thrive in poor or sandy soil in areas that have plenty of space for them to spread. They need either full sun or partial shade, and they are best suited for climate zones 2-7.

Growth Timeline

In the first year, they can be slow to grow, but be patient. Over time, they will grow faster and faster, rapidly spreading across the ground. To speed things up, you can propagate your bearberries by clipping off stems, placing them in rooting hormone powder, and then planting them in the desired areas.

Caring for Bearberries

Bearberries are an extremely low maintenance shrub. They do not need fertilizer, and they’re extremely tolerant to droughts and colder climates. At most, simply water them occasionally to ensure they are receiving enough hydration.

Life Cycle

Once planted and fully grown, you can expect the flowers on bearberries to bloom from May to June. By mid-August, the fruit matures and remains on the plant until wintertime.

Bearberry is one of the best shrubs to plant for groundcover. Their red and green colorings, as well as their pink and white flowers, make them a very attractive option for any type of landscaping project. You can have them spread out across an area with poor soil, or drape them over the edges of walls, rocks, or slopes. Bearberry is also salt-resistant, making it an excellent option for individuals who live by the sea.

During their expedition across the western United States, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark noted that bearberries were often used as a source of food by local Native Americans. While Lewis dismissed the berries as “a very tasteless and insipid fruit,” they were nevertheless widely sought after by Native Americans and, later, white settlers. Native Americans would often cook the berries in salmon oil, bear fat, or fish eggs for added flavor, and they would be mixed in with various soups and stews. Some individuals would even take the leaves and mix them with tobacco.

The very first documented use of bearberries was by the Physicians of Myddfai, a succession of physicians that appear in Welsh folklore from the 13^th century. It is also believed that the Chinese used bearberries for medicinal purposes around the same time. The leaves of bearberries contain two glucosides, as well as tannic and gallic acid. This created potent astringent and diuretic effects in humans which could help with arthritis, headaches, bladder problems, skin care, inflammation, and more.

Thanks to their red and green coloring, bearberries are often used as holiday decorations during Christmastime. You can often find them in garlands and wreaths alongside other holiday plants.