Kinnikinnick / bearberry
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Kinnikinnick / bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a Colorado-native groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 4–8 in tall and 24–48 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers part to shade. Our alkaline soils cause chlorosis — plant only in amended acidic beds or under conifers where needle drop acidifies the soil naturally.
Colorado nativelow to medium water4–8 in tall and 24–48 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
- Variety / cultivar
- 'Massachusetts', 'Vancouver Jade'
- Type
- Groundcover
- Mature size
- 4–8 in tall and 24–48 in wide
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- part to shade
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- sandy, loam
- Soil pH
- 4.5–7.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- low
- Bloom color
- pink, white
- Bloom time
- early spring, mid spring
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Good for
- under conifer, slope
Planting & establishment
Acidic soil required — amend our alkaline clay heavily, or plant under pines where needle drop acidifies soil. Water weekly first 2 summers.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Kinnikinnick / bearberry good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes. Kinnikinnick / bearberry is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a groundcover suited to Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Kinnikinnick / bearberry get?
- It matures to about 4–8 in tall and 24–48 in wide.
- How much water does Kinnikinnick / bearberry need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Kinnikinnick / bearberry native to Colorado?
- Yes — it is a Colorado native.
