Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Kinnikinnick

Kinnikinnick - Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
aka Bearberry. A low evergreen shrub which often form mats. Leathery leaves alternate on stems 2″ to 6″ (5 -15 cm) tall. The leaves are waxy and oval in shape and about 1″ long. A key feature is that the leaves are not toothed and are rounded at the tip (as opposed to A. columbiana which has a pointed tip). They are also dark green on the top and a lighter green underneath. The flowers are urn-shaped and are pinkish white. Edible red berries (shown here) replace the flowers in mid to late summer. Found on dryish ground on gravelly slopes to 8,000′ elevation. Often used as a ground cover in ornamental landscaping.

Family:

Ericaceae - HEATH FAMILY

Genus:

Arctostaphylos from Greek arktos 'bear' and staphule 'a bunch of grapes'

Species:

uva-ursi from Latin uva 'grape' and ursus 'bear'
Photo location: Mt. Fremont trail within .25 mi. from Frozen Lake