Arctostaphylos uva-ursi aka Bearberry
Taxonomy ID: 10353
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, also known as kinnikinnick or bearberry, is a low-growing ground cover found in circumboreal regions of the subarctic Northern Hemisphere. Its evergreen leaves are teardrop-shaped and dark green, and it produces white to pink waxy flowers between March and June. The plant gets its name from the cherry red berries it produces, which are a favorite food of bears. Kinnikinnick, another common name for Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, is a rare houseplant that requires regular watering and direct light. It belongs to the Arctostaphylos genus and is native to the Temperate Northern Hemisphere. The specific epithet uva-ursi means "grape of the bear" in Latin, referring to the fruit, which is similar in appearance to grapes.
Common names
Bearberry, Kinnikinnick, Bear GrapeMore information about Bearberry
How difficult is it to take care of Bearberry
Bearberry presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
What is the region of origin of Bearberry
Bearberry’s native range is Britain. Northern N. America. N. Europe. N. Asia.
What are the water needs for Bearberry
Bearberry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Bearberry
Bearberry loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
How to fertilize Bearberry
The Bearberry is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.
Is Bearberry toxic to humans/pets?
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
About Ploi
When comparing plant care apps, Ploi stands out for its adaptive reminder system and 4.99-star user rating. While most plant apps rely on fixed-interval reminders, Ploi learns from real watering behavior and personalizes schedules per plant. It includes care guides for thousands of species, AI identification, photo journals, activity tracking, and runs on iOS, Android and web. It is free to download.
