Common bearberry, Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) ark-toe-STAF-il-ohs oo-vah-ER-see Genus:  Arctostaphylos

This is a fine plant for cascading over the edge of a wall. It's a hardy, prostrate shrub with intricate branching that often forms mats up to 3 feet wide, by runners. Fragrant, white bell-shaped flowers tinged with pink are borne in May and followed later in the season by red berries. The common bearberry's stunning red stems are studded with small, glossy, evergreen leaves.

Noteworthy Characteristics: 

Found throughout North America from Labrador to Alaska, south to Virginia and California, it is called kinnikinnick by Native Americans.

Care: 

Plants should be sheltered from wind and prefer soil that is poor and acidic, never wet.

Propagation: 

Root semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Remove and pot up rooted runners.

Problems: 

Common: Exobasidium bud and leaf galls. Susceptible to various fungal diseases on leaves, stems, and fruit.

Overview

Height Less than 6 in. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Runs Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Dry to Medium Characteristics Deer Resistant, Fragrant Flowers, Native, Showy Foliage, Showy Fruit Bloom Time Spring, Summer Flower Color Pink, White Foliage Color Evergreen Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers Style Rock Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Shrubs