Also known as Bearberry. Mat-forming evergreen shrub growing up to 8 in. tall with clusters of pinkish-white bell shaped flowers, blooming March to October. Adapted to rocky, well-drained, low nitrogen soils; intolerant of moist, poorly drained soils; up to 12,000 ft. elevation. May form dense stands on coastal bluffs and prairies, forests, sand dunes, barren rocky outcrops, dry alpine meadows and coniferous forests; circumboreal. Foliage is lightly browsed by deer. Berries are eaten by birds, bears and small mammals, especially as emergency food during winter and early spring. Used extensively in landscaping as a low-growing, ornamental groundcover. Host plant of the Seaside hoary elfin butterfly.

DISTRIBUTION / ADAPTATION

INFORMATION & ATTRIBUTES

Family: Ericaceae

Duration: Perennial

Growth Habit: Shrub/subshrub

Native Status: Native

Growth Form: Multiple Stem

Mature Height: 8-12 in.

Bloom Color: Pinkish white

Fruit/Seed Color: Red

Bloom Period: Late Spring

Annual Precipitation: 14-45 in.

Drought Tolerance: High

Shade Tolerance: Intermediate

Elevation:  ft.

Wetland Indicator Status: FACU

Fire Resistance: No

Fire Tolerance: Low

Nitrogen fixation: None

SOIL ADAPTATION

Coarse Texture: Yes

Medium Texture: Yes

Fine Texture: No

Salinity Tolerance: Medium

CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium

pH Range: 5.5-8.0

SEEDING NOTES

Seeds per Pound: 42,400

Seeding Rate:  PLS lbs/acre

Season: Fall/Winter

Days to Germination: