Bearberry – FranLaff.com

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Common Name

Bearberry

Scientific Name

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

More Clues to ID

Also known as Kinnikinnick, this natural ground cover with leathery evergreen leaves and red berries can be found growing in sandy, rocky soils in the northern regions of Europe, Asia, and North America

This low-growing plant has been used to treat various ailments, especially in the urinary tract. The berries are edible raw, but very dry. Do NOT use for more than one week at a time.

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Have you ever seen this low-growing plant growing on sand dunes or other seemingly barren, rocky soil in the north? Its leaves are usually shiny green on top and lighter beneath, but once frost hits, they can turn a bit more brown for the winter. Besides its medicinal uses, this plant was also traditionally dried and smoked.

Image Credits

Robert Flogaus-Faust, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Robert Flogaus-Faust, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Robert Flogaus-Faust, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Walter Siegmund, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Walter Siegmund, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Robert Flogaus-Faust, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) by Phil Champion, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jason Hollinger, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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