Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Family: Ericaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to July, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweeter when cooked. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; Insipid, dry and mealy, it becomes sweeter when cooked.; Added to stews etc, it is a good source of carbohydrates.; The fruit can also be cooked and eaten.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry open woods, often on gravelly or sandy soils. It is also found on sand dunes along the coast and is also found on limestone in the European Alps. (Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)