Botanical Name: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Woods Compact'
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Common Name: Woods Bearberry  
Plant photo of: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Woods Compact'
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Shrub, Ground cover

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

Pink, White

 

Flower Season

Winter, Spring

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

Red

 

Fruit Color

Red

 

Fruit Season

Winter, Fall

Sun

Half, Shade

 

Water

Low, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Moderate, Slow

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam, Rocky

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Raised Planter, Walkways, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Filler, Naturalizing, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

This is a compact, ground-hugging bearberry forms a dense mat of evergreen leaves that turn reddish in the winter. Pink-tinged, urn-shaped flowers appear late winter to early spring, and are followed by bright red fruit that persists into the fall months. It grows 2 to 3" high and 3 to 4' wide.
Grow in part to full shade, in average to poor, well-drained soils. Slow to established, and it is sensitive to being over-watered. Berries are valued by birds. Plant where it is protected from hot summer sun and drying winter winds. Does not need pruning other than to keep it within the space allotted. A popular western native, there are many cultivars that have been commercial developed, including 'Alaska,' Massachusetts,' 'Point Reyes,' and 'Woods Compact.' Berries are good for birds, but are not recommended for human consumption.