Arctous alpina

Common Names

Alpine Bearberry, Black Bearberry, Mountain Bearberry, Raisin d'Ours des Alpes, Riekonmarja

Summary

Alpine bearberry is circumpolar, native to tundra and alpine zones across Europe, Asia, and North America. It forms a low-growing, prostrate to mat-forming shrub with small rugose leaves and slender shoots; white urn-shaped flowers appear in short inflorescences, followed by black-purple berries about 6–9 mm in diameter. Leaves may turn red in fall, adding seasonal color.

It favors cool climates and grows best in deep, moist, well-drained lime-free loam in sun or semi-shade with a cool, damp position, and it resents root disturbance. Propagation is by seed, with fire over the surface coat or passage through animals’ guts, followed by winter stratification; germination times vary. It can be used as groundcover in alpine or rock gardens; fruits are edible raw or cooked, and medicinal uses include infusion for rheumatism and bark decoction for internal blood diseases; leaves are narcotic.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

4-12 inches

Spread

4-20 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones not provided

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Deep, moist, well-drained lime-free loam.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

Mildly acidic to very acidic soils (lime-free)

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green, red in autumn

Fall Foliage Color

Red

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow growth.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Layering.

Attracts Wildlife

Bees