When does bearberry bloom?

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi generally flowers in February, March, and April, producing clusters of small urn-shaped white to pink blooms before its berries form.

What pollinators visit bearberry flowers?

Bees and butterflies are the main visitors to bearberry flowers, drawn to the small nectar-rich blooms in early spring.

How much water does bearberry need?

Bearberry prefers low water once established and handles dry, sandy, or rocky soils better than consistently moist ground.

What light does bearberry grow best in?

It grows best in full sun to part shade, though flowering and mat density are usually fullest with more direct light.

Does bearberry lose its leaves in winter?

No, it keeps its small leathery leaves year round, which is part of why it is used as a low evergreen ground cover in cold climates.

Is Bear-grape toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Bear-grape as toxic to livestock.

Is Bear-grape HOA-friendly?

Bear-grape is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Bear-grape

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Last reviewed: September 2026

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is a low, mat-forming evergreen shrub that blooms from February through April with small white to pink flowers, doing well in cool, dry to well-drained sites from New England through the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest.

Bear-grape (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Bear-grape as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 24"–72" W

Bloom

Feb, Mar, Apr

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, CT and 29 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is a low-growing evergreen shrub with small, glossy leaves and delicate pink flowers in spring. It forms an attractive groundcover that spreads gradually, creating a dense mat that works well for erosion control on slopes. This drought-tolerant plant offers year-round appeal with reddish stems and eventual small red berries.

Growing Bear-grape

Grow Bear-grape in part shade and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 24 to 72 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bear-grape is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Slow to establish initially
May develop bare patches in deep shade

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract both bees and butterflies while providing valuable early-season nectar. Birds enjoy the small red berries that develop after flowering.

Common questions

When does bearberry bloom?: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi generally flowers in February, March, and April, producing clusters of small urn-shaped white to pink blooms before its berries form.
What pollinators visit bearberry flowers?: Bees and butterflies are the main visitors to bearberry flowers, drawn to the small nectar-rich blooms in early spring.
How much water does bearberry need?: Bearberry prefers low water once established and handles dry, sandy, or rocky soils better than consistently moist ground.
What light does bearberry grow best in?: It grows best in full sun to part shade, though flowering and mat density are usually fullest with more direct light.
Does bearberry lose its leaves in winter?: No, it keeps its small leathery leaves year round, which is part of why it is used as a low evergreen ground cover in cold climates.
Is Bear-grape toxic to dogs?: Bear-grape is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Bear-grape toxic to cats?: Bear-grape is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Bear-grape toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Bear-grape as toxic to livestock.
Is Bear-grape HOA-friendly?: Bear-grape is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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