Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
| Scientific Name: | Arctostaphylos uva-ursi |
| Synonym: | |
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Common Name: | Bearberry |
| Authority: | (L.) Spreng. |
| Etymology: | Arctostaphylos is Greek for "bear berry," referring to this species being most common to the north, where bears occur and in the direction of the bear constellations, and uva-ursi refers to "ursus" being Latin for bear and the genus name for many bear species. |
| C Value: | 10 |
| Wetness: | UPL |
| # of Species in Genus in Illinois: | 1 |
| Duration: | Perennial |
| Reproduction: | Monoecious |
| Flower Type: | Perfect |
| Flower Shape: | Actinomorphic (radially symmetrical) |
| Flower # of Parts: | 5 |
| Flower Color: | White, Pink |
| Growth Habit: | Woody |
| Leaf Arrangement: | Alternate |
| Leaf Type: | Simple |
| Leaf Shape: | Obovate (widest above middle) |
| Leaf Shape Term: | |
| Leaf Margin: | Entire |
| Leaf Toothing: | |
| Stem Surface: | Glabrous (smooth) |
| Trunk/Bark: | N/A |
| Armature: | None |
| Twig Characteristics: | |
| Habitat: | Savanna |
| Distribution: | BONAP Distribution Map |
| Status (State): | Endangered |
| Status (Federal): | Not Listed |
| ID Tips: | This species is restricted to sand dunes along Lake Michigan. |
| Gee Whiz: | This species is locally common at Illinois Beach State Park and other beaches around Lake Michigan. The berries are a favorite food of bears. |
| Humor: | |
| More Info: | Illinois Wildflowers Search |