Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Bearberry (Ericaceae) Evergreen shrub

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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.

General Uses: A yellowish-brown dye is obtained from the leaves[57, 101], it does not require a mordant[168]. A grey-brown dye is obtained from the fruit[257]. The dried fruits are used in rattles and as beads on necklaces etc[99, 257]. The leaves are a good source of tannin[46, 61, 212]. The mashed berries can be rubbed on the insides of coiled cedar root baskets in order to waterproof them[257]. A good ground-cover for steep sandy banks in a sunny position[188, 200] or in light shade[197]. A carpeting plant, growing fairly fast and carpeting as it spreads[208]. It is valuable for checking soil erosion on watersheds[212]. This is also a pioneer plant in the wild, often being the first plant to colonize burnt-over areas, especially on poor soils[155].

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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'.
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