Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Massachusetts'

Common Bearberry

Common Bearberry is an evergreen groundcover that is suited to sandy or other well-drained soils with acidic pH. It can be a marvelous solution for a difficult site since it grows where few other plants are happy. Artostaphyllos is lovely draped over the edge of a wall or large rock.

Its small green leaves have silver grey backs and often appear to be edged in silver.'Massachusetts' flowers and fruits abundantly and is a disease-resistant selection with smaller leaves than the species. Introduced by west coast growers, but seed for this selection originated in Massachusetts.

Benefits

	Groundcover for difficult site
	Berries for birds
	Flowers for insects (and people!)
	Low maintenance
	Salt and Wind Tolerant

Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips

Arctostaphyllos uva ursi grows best in sandy or other well-drained soils that are acidic. Full sun or very slight shade is the best exposure.

Bearberry prefers low fertility, so do not fertilize.

Choose your site well because it does not like to be transplanted.

Height 6-10 Inches

Spread 3-6 Feet

Native Range Native to Europe, Asia and North America, in the US it is found in rocky or sandy soils in Northern and Western states. Distribution Maps by State and County

Native Trivia 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.

USDA Hardiness Zone 2-6

"Bears aren't the only ones who enjoy these berries!"

Characteristics & Attributes

Plan Sub Group • Small Shrubs	Exposure • Sun	Soil • Well-drained • Acidic	Soil Moisture Preference • Average • Moist but well-drained • Dry
Attracts Wildlife • Songbirds	Bloom Time • Late Spring / Early Summer	Critter Resistance • Deer Resistant	Habitat Collection • Songbird
Native Habitat • Grassland • Coastal	Foliage Color • Dark Green • Green	Uses • Ground cover • Rock garden • Border • Salt tolerant • Evergreen • Mass plant • Wind tolerant • Edging