Arctostaphylos uva-ursi/ Kinninnick/ Bearberry

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is native to northern North America. This mat-forming shrub has woody browny red branches, 6 to 8 inches tall. Its white with pinkish tinge clusters of pendant, bell-shaped flowers appear from March to June. The eye-catching red berries hang on and on, from July to February, but good luck harvesting the edible fruits, as birds and squirrels will gobble them up.

While it grows best in sunny well-drained sites, Kinnikinnick can tolerate heavier soils and some shade. Water it well during its first two dry seasons.

Have a place you hate to mow? A boring parking strip? A retaining wall or rockery that could use a cascade of green? Kinnikinnick is a great choice. It's low maintenance, drought tolerant, and a pal to birds (like evening grosbeaks and hummingbirds) and insects (like bees and brown elfin butterflies).

Zone: 2-7

Height: 6"-12"

Spread: 3'-6'

Flower Colour: White with pinkish tinge

Flowering Season: Spring to summer

Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Soil Type: well drained, sandy or gritty

Water Needs: low to average

Pollinator Attractant: Yes

Resistant To: Drought