Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Massachusetts' - Common Bearberry
DESCRIPTION
Common BearberryArctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Massachusetts'
Common Bearberry is an evergreen groundcover that is suited to sandy or other well-drained soils with an acidic pH. It can be a marvelous solution for a difficult site since it grows where few other plants are happy. Arctostaphylos is lovely draped over the edge of a wall or large rock. Its small green leaves have silver-grey backs and often appear to be edged in silver. 'Massachusetts' flowers and fruits abundantly and is a disease-resistant selection with smaller leaves than the species. Introduced by West Coast Growers, seed for this selection originated in Massachusetts.
BENEFITS
- Beautiful groundcover for difficult site
- Berries for birds and other wildlife
- Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
- Host plant for a variety of butterflies
- An evergreen with three-season interest
- Salt and Wind Tolerant
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Native to Europe, Asia and North America, in the US it is found in rocky or sandy soils in Northern and Western states.
Map Credit: The Biota of North America
Map Key: Green (native), Teal (native, adventive), Blue (present), Yellow (present & rare), Red (extinct)
Interesting Facts
The specific epithet of uva-ursi means bear's grape in reference to the fact that bears like to eat the fruits of this species.
GROWING TIPS
Arctostaphylos uva ursi grows best in sandy or other well-drained soils that are acidic. Full sun or very slight shade is the best exposure. Bearberry prefers low fertility, so do not fertilize. Choose your site well because it does not like to be transplanted.