Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Bearberry (Ericaceae) Evergreen shrub

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Bearberry
Evergreen shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Arctostaphylos uva-ursi plant species is found in Britain. Northern N. America. N. Europe. N. Asia. It is a member of the Ericaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Bearberry. Some home gardeners know the variety as A. officinalis. Arbutus uva-ursi. Uva-ursi procumbens. Uva-ursi uva-ursi.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Common Name:  Bearberry
Family:  Ericaceae
Author:  (L.)Spreng.

Known Hazards:  This plant is best not used by pregnant women since it can reduce the supply of blood to the foetus[172].

Mature Height:  0.1   Mature Width:  1

Habitat:  Dry open woods, often on gravelly or sandy soils[212]. It is also found on sand dunes along the coast[212] and is also found on limestone in the European Alps.

Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[3, 7, 8, 62, 161, 257]. Insipid, dry and mealy[4, 101, 183], it becomes sweeter when cooked[212]. Added to stews etc, it is a good source of carbohydrates[101]. The fruit can also be used to make a cooling drink or used for preserves etc[161, 183]. It can be dried and stored for later use[257]. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter[200]. A tea is made from the dried leaves[177, 183].

For further Arctostaphylos uva-ursi gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future