Bearberry

Bearberry
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Ericales Family: Ericaceae Genus: Arctostaphylos Adans.
species
Arctostaphylos alpina Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Bearberries are dwarf shrubs in the genus Arctostaphylos, adapted to arctic and sub-arctic climates, and have a circumpolar distribution in northern North America, Asia and Europe. The name bearberry derives from the edible fruit, said to be greatly enjoyed by bears. Other names include Kinnikinnick and Mealberry. The fruit, also called bearberries, are edible and sometimes gathered for food. The leaves of the plant are used in herbal medicine.

There are two species:

• Alpine Bearberry (Arctostaphylos alpina (L.) Spreng)
• Common Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) A. Gray)

See also manzanita for other species in the same genus.