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Arctostaphylos alpina (Alpine bearberry)
Weyand, Phyllis

Arctostaphylos alpina (L.) Spreng.

Alpine bearberry

Ericaceae (Heath Family)

Synonyms: Arbutus alpina, Arctous alpina, Mairania alpina

USDA Symbol: aral2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A densely branched, dwarf shrub, usually less than 6 in. tall. The bark is noticeably shredded, papery and reddish in color. Narrow, urn-shaped flowers are pinkish and are followed by a purplish-black berry. Oval leaves turn scarlet in fall and persist for some time.

The alpine bearberry has several uses for the Objibwa people:
It can be pounded and infused as an external wash for rheumatism.
A decoction of the bark may be taken for internal blood diseases.
The leaves are used for medicine ceremonies, and can be smoked to induce intoxication.

As well, the berries are edible. The Koyukon store them in grease or oil during the winter and eat them with fish or meat. (Native American Ethnobotany Database)


 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Root Type: Tap
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 0-1 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Pink
Bloom Time: Apr , May

Distribution

USA: AK , ME , NH
Canada: AB , BC , MB , NL , ON , QC , SK
Native Distribution: AK to s. & s.c. Yukon
Native Habitat: Tundra; alpine heaths
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N), GL(N), SPM(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Moist
Cold Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Barren, peaty soil.

Benefit

Use Food: The berries are edible. The Koyukon store them in grease or oil during the winter and eat them with fish or meat. (Native American Ethnobotany Database)
Use Medicinal: The alpine bearberry has several uses for the Objibwa people:
It can be pounded and infused as an external wash for rheumatism.
A decoction of the bark may be taken for internal blood diseases.
The leaves are used for medicine ceremonies, and can be smoked to induce intoxication.
Attracts: Birds

Propagation

Description: Propagation by seed is can be difficult.
Seed Collection: The outer fleshy part of the furit may be removed by macering the fruits with water and separating the nutlets by flotation or air-screening.
Seed Treatment: Seeds of most Arctostaphylos species have hard seed coats and dormant embryos. Scarification (several hours in H2SO4) followed by stratification may improve germination.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

Bibliography

Bibref 1232 - Native American Ethnobotany (1998) Moerman, Daniel E.

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From the Archive

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Arctostaphylos alpina in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Arctostaphylos alpina in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Arctostaphylos alpina

Metadata

Record Modified: 2012-08-25
Research By: TWC Staff

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