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| Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Point Reyes' |
Bearberry |
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Scientific name: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Point
Reyes'
Common name: Bearberry, kinnikinick, Bilberry,
Bear's grape, Barren myrtle, Crowbars, hog cranberry, Creashak,
Fox plum, Meal plum, Mountain box, mealberry, Rapper dandies,
Sandberry, Red bearberry, Rockberry, Universe plant, Uva-ursi,
Manzanita
Region of origin: Northern North America, Europe,
and Asia
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Photo courtesy
Univ. of Conn.
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Highlights:
Weed Suppressive Rating: Poor
Hardiness: Zones
3-7
Height x Spread: 1 to 4 in. x indefinite
Season of bloom: Spring
Flower color: White to light pink
Exposure:
Full sun to moderate shade
Soil requirements: Well-drained, acidic or neutral soil
Moisture requirements: Drought tolerant once established
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Physical description: This excellent ground cover has a prostrate habit
and forms carpets 1 to 4 in. tall that spread indefinitely. The
evergreen leaves are dark green, small, rounded, and reach 1
in. long. They often turn purple or even reddish during the winter,
and turn green again in early to mid spring. Flowers look like
miniature urns, are white to light pink, and reach ¼ in.
long. They appear throughout the spring. The fruit is very ornamental
and attractive; it looks like a berry, is ¼ to ½
in. long, and is green in late summer, turning red in autumn.
Optimal growing conditions: This species performs best in well-drained acidic
soils. Growth is slow for the first 3 years, but once established,
it is highly drought resistant and supports difficult soil conditions
such as sand or gravel of lakeshores. It tolerates a wide range
of light exposures, from full sun to moderate shade, but performs
best in exposed, open sites. Winter hardiness: Zones 3 to 7.
Susceptibility to pests and diseases: This species is generally resistant to pests
and diseases, but in poorly drained sites may be susceptible
to some diseases as root rot, black mildew, leaf gall, leaf spot,
and some pests, such as mites.
Use:
If maintained well during the first few years, this plant becomes
a very good groundcover and surface creepers for acid soils,
in sun or shade. It is also an excellent companion to magnolias
and low-bush blueberries. Moreover, this species has medicinal
properties as an astringent, a diuretic, a blood purifier, and
a blood coagulant.
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