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Hollinshead Water-wise Garden Plants

Photo:
Pat Kolling

Taxon ID#

7

A mat-forming shrub with glossy-green leaves, pinkish-white flowers in spring, followed by red berries in the fall. Reddish
fall color.

Scientific  Name:

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'massachusetts'

Common Name 1

› Kinnickinnick

Family:

Ericaceae

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.

Plant Type:

Small Shrub (usually < 1.5' and not >3')
Common Name 2

› Massachusetts Kinnickinnick

Common Name 3

› Massachusetts Bearberry

Oregon native:

yes

Western state native:

yes

Scroll down for more information on each topic

Plant Maintenance Information

Landscape Application Information

Seasonal Care

Resource Links

MAINTENANCE

Maintenance Level:

Low

Min. USDA Hardiness Zone:

2

Sun Preference:

Full Sun

Water Preference:

VL

Soil Preference:

Grow in acidic, dry to medium, well-drained, sandy or gritty soils in full sun.

Fertilizer Needs:

Plants should not be fertilized.

Recommended Mulch:

Gravel or nothing

PLANT DESCRIPTION

Foliage Color:

Green

Foliage Description:

Glossy, green simple leaves; arranged alternately

Fragrant:

yes

Predominant flower color:

White

Flower Description:

Terminal clusters of small, urn-shaped flowers, white tinged with pink; slightly fragrant

Fall color:

yes

Fall Color Description:

Reddish foliage & berries in fall

Winter Foliage:

Evergreen

Winter Interest:

yes

Winter Interest Description:

Reddish foliage in the winter

Mature height:

4-8"

Mature spread:

10-15'

Growth rate:

Fast

LANDSCAPE APPLICATION

Deer Resistant:

yes

Fire Resistant:

yes

Attracts Pollinators:

yes

Attracts Butterflies:

yes

Native Habitat:

Grows in dry rocky soils, outcrops, from coast to alpine.

Attracts Birds:

yes

Cut/Dried Flowers:

no

Used by Wildlife:

yes

Swales:

no

Wildlife Use:

Berries eaten by many birds and animals

Photo:
Kathy Ketchum

Hedge/Screen:

no

Border:

yes

Erosion Control:

yes

Windbreak:

no

Ground Cover:

yes

Provides Shade:

no

Rock Garden:

yes

Cover Structures:

no

First Bloom:

Jun

Last Bloom:

Adds Texture/Movement:

Sep

Ornamental Accent:

no

no

Garden Observations:

​

Application
Anchor 1

SEASONAL CARE

Spring Care:

​

Summer Care:

​

Fall Care:

​

Winter Care:

​

Long Term Care:

"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

Insect Pests:

No serious insect problems.

Wildlife Pests:

​

Diseases:

Black Root Rot; Leaf Gall; Leaf Spot; Phytophthora Dieback; Rust

Environmental Problems:

​

Landscape 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.

'Massachusetts' has g

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.

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