Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi (Ericaceae) - Bearberry

Uva-Ursi or Bearberry is a small procumbent, woody ground cover with glossy, evergreen leaves. It flowers late Spring with pink, urn shaped flowers that give way to red/pink fruits that persist into the Winter. It is extremely hardy and has a circumpolar distribution. It prefers acidic, poor, and well drained soils. The plant is high in tannins and is used as an astringent and antiseptic. Both its genus and species reference bears. From the Greek, arcto - bear and staphulus - grape. And ursis, Latin for bear. Limited availability.