Bear-grape
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Last reviewed: July 2026
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is a low-growing evergreen shrub native across much of North America, blooming with small pink flowers from February through April and attracting bees and butterflies.
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
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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 Arctostaphylos uva-ursi bloom?
- Bear-grape blooms from February through April, producing small pink or white urn-shaped flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
- What growing conditions does bear-grape prefer?
- Arctostaphylos uva-ursi thrives in well-draining, acidic soils with low to moderate water needs. It tolerates full sun to partial shade and is extremely cold hardy.
- Where is Arctostaphylos uva-ursi native?
- Bear-grape is native to a wide range across North America, from Alaska and Canada south through the western mountains, Great Lakes region, and northeastern United States.
- What pollinators visit bear-grape flowers?
- The small flowers of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi attract various bees and butterflies during its early spring blooming period.
- 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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Bear-grape? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz