ExplorePlants

bearberry

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Bearberry is a small, low-growing plant with shiny green leaves and bright red berries. It's a favorite snack for bears and other animals, making it a special part of the forest.

Habitat: Mountain regions

Appearance

The bearberry is a low-growing, mat-forming evergreen shrub with small, leathery, dark green leaves that often turn bronzy in winter. It produces tiny, bell-shaped pinkish-white flowers, followed by bright red, shiny berries.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilyEricaceaeGenusArctostaphylos
bearberry
shrub trait badgeevergreen trait badgefruit_bearing trait badgedrought_tolerant trait badge
bearberry

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Bearberry flowers are like tiny upside-down bells, perfectly shaped for buzzing bees!

Its Latin name, 'uva-ursi,' means 'grape of the bear' because bears love the berries!

Its berries can stay on the plant all winter, providing food for animals!

Some people brew bearberry leaves into tea for traditional remedies.

Special abilities

Ability

Drought Defender

Bearberry can survive very dry, sandy soils because its leathery leaves minimize water loss, keeping it hydrated in harsh conditions.

Ability

Evergreen Power

Bearberry has tough, evergreen leaves that stay green all year, letting it make food from sunlight even when other plants are sleeping.

Ability

Soil Superhero

Bearberry spreads its roots wide to hold soil in place, stopping erosion and creating a stable home for itself.

Measurements & details

Height
5-30 cm
Spread
30-150 cm
Flower Size
0.5-0.8 cm
Bloom Season
Spring to early summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Bear GrapeKinnikinnick

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always ask an adult before picking or eating any berries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is bearberry?

5-30 cm

How wide does bearberry spread?

30-150 cm

How big are the flowers on bearberry?

0.5-0.8 cm

When does bearberry bloom?

Spring to early summer

Is bearberry edible?

Yes

Is bearberry toxic?

Mild

What is bearberry's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is bearberry pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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