Science & Nature • Plant

Bearberry

Bearberry refers to low-growing evergreen shrubs in the genus Arctostaphylos, especially Arctostaphylos uva-ursi.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Bearberry refers to low-growing evergreen shrubs in the genus Arctostaphylos, especially Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. It is a circumboreal plant found across northern North America, Europe, and Asia, where it grows in dry, sandy, rocky, and acidic habitats. The plant is known for its creeping habit, small bell-shaped flowers, and red berries.

Description

Bearberry is a prostrate, evergreen shrub with trailing stems, leathery leaves, and small bell-shaped flowers. Its fruit is a red berry, and the plant often forms wide mats close to the ground.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs widely across northern North America, Europe, and Asia. It is associated with dry, open, sandy, rocky, and acidic habitats, including dunes, woodlands, and mountain slopes.

Ecology and uses

Bearberry provides food for birds and mammals, and its dense growth can help stabilize soil. It is also used in landscaping as a hardy ground cover in poor soils.

Names and taxonomy

Bearberry is most often applied to Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, though the name can also refer more broadly to related dwarf shrubs in the genus Arctostaphylos. The species name uva-ursi means 'bear grape' or 'bear berry'.

Key facts

Bearberry is commonly used as a ground cover because it spreads low across the ground.
It is a circumboreal plant adapted to Arctic, subarctic, and alpine or subalpine climates.
The plant produces red berries that are eaten by wildlife and are technically edible for humans.
Bearberry has a creeping growth habit, often rooting from stems as it spreads.
It grows best in well-drained, sandy or rocky soils and open sunny habitats.

🍁

Canadian context

Bearberry is native across much of Canada, including northern and montane regions, and is part of the flora of many provinces and territories.

Frequently asked questions

What is bearberry?

Bearberry is a low-growing evergreen shrub, usually referring to Arctostaphylos uva-ursi.

Where does bearberry grow?

It grows across circumboreal regions of North America, Europe, and Asia, especially in dry, sandy, rocky, and open habitats.

What does bearberry look like?

It is a creeping shrub with small evergreen leaves, pink or white bell-shaped flowers, and red berries.

Is bearberry edible?

The berries are edible but are usually considered bland; they are more important as wildlife food.

Why is it called bearberry?

The name refers to the berries being eaten by bears, and the species epithet uva-ursi means 'bear berry'.

References

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/arctostaphylos-uva-ursi/
Supports: Describes Arctostaphylos uva-ursi as a low-growing evergreen perennial shrub; notes habitat, common name, and edible but bland berries.
Missouri Botanical Garden — https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279933
Supports: Provides growth habit, native range, and creeping, prostrate shrub description.
Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/bearberry
Supports: Summarizes bearberry as prostrate evergreen shrubs of the heath family, with habitat, flowers, fruit, and growth form.
U.S. Forest Service — https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/shrub/arcuva/all.html
Supports: Gives accepted scientific name and common names for bearberry/kinnikinnick.
Native Plant Trust — https://plantfinder.nativeplanttrust.org/plant/Arctostaphylos-uva-ursi
Supports: Describes growth habit, soil preferences, flowering, and Canadian distribution.