Arctostaphylos Species, Alpine Bearberry, Black Bearberry, Mountain Bearberry
Arctostaphylosalpina

Family: Ericaceae (er-ek-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Arctostaphylos (ark-toh-STAF-ih-los)
Species: alpina (AL-pin-a)

Category
Alpines and Rock Gardens
Edible Fruits and Nuts

Water Requirements
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings

Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage
Deciduous

Foliage Color

Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)

Spacing
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 1: below -45.6 °C (-55 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger
N/A

Bloom Color
White/Near White

Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer

Other details

Soil pH requirements
4.5 or below (very acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)

Patent Information

Propagation Methods
By dividing the rootball
From softwood cuttings
From hardwood heel cuttings
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
By simple layering

Seed Collecting
Remove fleshy coating on seeds before storing
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Seed does not store well; sow as soon as possible