Information About Bearberry

Bearberry, (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), also called kinnikinnick, flowering prostrate evergreen shrubs of the heath family (Ericaceae), occurring widely throughout the northern reaches of Europe, Asia, and North America in rocky and sandy woods and in open areas.

What is bearberry used for?
What animal eats bearberry?
Does bearberry attract bears?
Are bearberry berries poisonous?
Where is bearberry found?
What does a bearberry look like?
How does bearberry survive?
How does the bearberry reproduce?
What vegetables attract bears?
What plants do bears hate?
Can I eat Bearberries?

What is bearberry used for?

What Is Bearberry Used For and How Does it Work? Bearberry is used as a urinary tract antibacterial and astringent. Bearberry is possibly effective for urinary tract inflammation.

What animal eats bearberry?

Many migratory birds and mammals also rely on bearberries as food like songbirds, gamebirds, five species of grouse and Wild Turkey and mammals such as polar bears.

Does bearberry attract bears?

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a dwarf, evergreen shrub that can be found growing in North America, Europe, and northern Asia. This plant can be recognized in the wild from its small, shiny red berries. These bright fruits are a favorite among woodland creatures, especially bears.

Are bearberry berries poisonous?

Bearberry appears to be relatively safe, although large doses may cause nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, back pain and tinnitus.

Where is bearberry found?

What does a bearberry look like?

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a low-growing ground cover that usually tops out between 6 and 12 inches (15-30 cm.). The flexible stems sport teardrop-shaped, leathery leaves in dark green. You'll find a small amount of white or pale pink waxy flowers between March and June.

How does bearberry survive?

Since bearberry is a low growing plant it can stay out of the wind chill. It's fine silky hairs also help to keep it warm. Leathery leaves are also an adaptation to the cold of the tundra. Bearberry is a very useful plant.

How does the bearberry reproduce?

Bearberry propagates via seed, stem cuttings and dormant buds. Wildfires facilitate seed germination. Name "bearberry" refers to the fact that black and grizzly bears like to eat fruit of this plant during the autumn and early spring.

What vegetables attract bears?

Gardens. Vegetable gardens, especially those containing potatoes and root vegetables such as carrots and beets, attract bears. Flower gardens are not as attractive to bears as long as they don't contain sweet vetch, dandelions and clover.

What plants do bears hate?

Some landscaping trees, bushes, and flowers that are considered not attractive to bears include willows, penstemon, mock orange, lupine, and columbine. For orchards, protect with fencing and keep a clean orchard. Harvest fruit promptly and pick up fallen fruit so the smell does not attract bears.

Can I eat Bearberries?

You can eat the berries of Bearberry, but you won't taste much, as they are granular and tasteless, or mealy, hence the nickname mealberry. The berries are a good source of fiber though!