Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'massachusetts'
Kinnickinnick
Massachusetts Kinnickinnick
Massachusetts Bearberry
Plant Family:
Ericaceae
Small Shrub (usually < 1.5' and not >3')
Flower:
White
Blooms :
Jun
to:
Sep
Terminal clusters of small, urn-shaped flowers, white tinged with pink; slightly fragrant
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
Yes
Foliage:
Green
Evergreen
Kathy Ketchum
Glossy, green simple leaves; arranged alternately
Oregon Native?
Yes
West State Native?
Yes
Specific variety developed by Robert Ticknor, Oregon State University, from seed collected in Massachusetts. Native to northern, coastal, and montane Eurasia to northern, coastal, and montane North America.
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
2
Water Needs:
VL
Sun Needs:
Partial Sun
Deer Resistant?
Yes
Firewise?
Yes
Height:
4-8"
Spread:
10-15'
Growth Rate:
Fast
Native Habitat:
Grows in dry rocky soils, outcrops, from coast to alpine.
Soil:
Grow in acidic, dry to medium, well-drained, sandy or gritty soils in full sun.
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Plants should not be fertilized.
Mulch:
Gravel or nothing
Long Term:
"Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)-Rust | Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks (pnwhandbooks.org):
Appears to be a fungus, Chrysomyxa arctostaphyli, which requires an alternate host (spruce) to complete its life cycle. Moisture on leaves favor
Winter:
Spring:
Summer:
Fall:
Common Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. If grown in poorly-drained sites or in climates hotter than preferred, this bearberry becomes more susceptible to certain diseases such as root rot, black mildew, leaf gall, leaf spot and rust.
Diseases:
Black Root Rot; Leaf Gall; Leaf Spot; Phytophthora Dieback; Rust
Insects:
No serious insect problems.
Also called: