Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'massachusetts'
Common Name(s):
Kinnickinnick
Massachusetts Kinnickinnick
Synonym:
Massachusetts Bearberry
Flower:
White
Blooms :
Jun
to:
Sep
Terminal clusters of small, urn-shaped flowers, white tinged with pink; slightly fragrant
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
YES
Family:
Ericaceae
Small Shrub (usually < 1.5' and not >3')
Foliage:
Green
Glossy, green simple leaves; arranged alternately
Fall Color?
YES
Reddish foliage & berries in fall
Evergreen
Photo by:
Heading 6
Reddish foliage in the winter
Oregon Native?
YES
West State Native?
YES
Origins:
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
Because plant is naturally low growing and spreads into a dense mat, it needs minimal long-term care after establishment
Long Term:
Winter:
May need to shield from harsh windy conditions by laying down pine boughs, protect from deer, give no water
Spring:
Clear debris, snip any dead tips, dieback, or diseased leaves, withhold fertilizer, ensure soil is well-drained
Summer:
Occasional deep watering if intense heat, excellent drainage
Fall:
Water deeply before ground freezes if fall is dry, apply a thin layer of organic mulch, clear out weeds, avoid fertilizing and pruning
General Care Comments:
This shrub species requires very little maintenance once it has been established. Weed growth must be controlled to sustain healthy stands of bearberry.
Common 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.
Environmental Problems:
Heat and humidity stress
Pests:
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