Pronounced (approximate): ark-toh-STAF-ih-lohs YOO-va UR-see
Small white-to-pink urn-shaped flowers hang near the branch tips. Woody stems spread close to the ground; round fruits become red.
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi): close view of hanging flowers. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Ericaceae
Life cycle Evergreen creeping shrub
Blooms Spring
Height 6–12 inches
Habitat Dry sandy or rocky ground and open woods
Common names
Bearberry · Kinnikinnick · Bear’s Grape
Bloom timing and height vary with location. Native status refers to North America; see the regional range below.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Dry sandy or rocky ground and open woods. Flowering season: spring.
Compare the low spreading habit, evergreen leaves, and hanging flowers together.
Small white-to-pink urn-shaped flowers hang near the branch tips.
Small leathery leaves have rounded tips and smooth edges.
Look for evergreen creeping shrub growth in dry sandy or rocky ground and open woods. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
14 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
Native across northern North America, Europe, and Asia.
Reported U.S. native distribution
AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, IA, ID, IL, IN, MA, ME, MI, MN, MT, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, UT, VA, WA, WI, WY
State records describe documented distribution, not presence in every county. The observation map shows reported sightings and may include cultivated plants.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Bearberry in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.
