Massachusetts Bearberry

Massachusetts Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Massachusetts')

Massachusetts Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Massachusetts') is a hardy, evergreen groundcover prized for its ability to thrive in poor soils and cold climates. This selection of the native bearberry is especially vigorous in the Northeast and Upper Midwest, forming a dense mat of glossy green leaves and offering year-round interest. Its low, spreading habit and high tolerance for drought and poor soil make it an excellent solution for slopes, sandy areas, and naturalized plantings.

Distinctive Features

'Massachusetts' grows 6 to 12 inches tall and can spread 3 to 6 feet wide, forming a lush, trailing carpet of small, leathery green leaves. In spring, clusters of small, bell-shaped pink to white flowers appear, followed by bright red berries in late summer to fall. These berries persist into winter and are an important food source for birds and wildlife. The foliage may take on a bronze or purplish hue in colder months, adding seasonal variation to its evergreen presence.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; best growth and density in full sun.
• Soil: Prefers acidic, well-drained sandy or rocky soils; intolerant of heavy or poorly drained soils.
• Water: Low; drought tolerant once established.
• Humidity: Adaptable but best suited to dry, well-ventilated environments.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 2�6; exceptionally cold hardy and suited to northern landscapes.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Groundcover: Forms a clean, uniform carpet with year-round appeal.
• Erosion Control: Excellent for stabilizing banks, dunes, and sandy slopes.
• Native and Wildlife Gardens: Supports pollinators with spring flowers and wildlife with persistent berries.
• Rock Gardens: Well-suited to gravelly or rocky sites with excellent drainage.
• Understory Plantings: Can be used beneath open-canopy trees in dry, acidic woodland settings.

Low Maintenance Care

Massachusetts Bearberry is one of the lowest maintenance groundcovers available, needing little intervention once established. Its adaptability and resilience make it a strong performer in tough conditions where other plants may fail.

• Watering: Water occasionally during the first season; thereafter, little irrigation is needed.
• Pruning: Minimal; shear lightly after flowering to encourage dense growth if desired.
• Fertilizing: Avoid fertilizing; bearberry thrives in nutrient-poor soils.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Highly resistant to pests and diseases when grown in appropriate conditions.
• Winter Care: No protection required; evergreen foliage may bronze in cold but rebounds in spring.

Why Choose Massachusetts Bearberry?

Massachusetts Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Massachusetts') is a rugged and beautiful native groundcover, ideal for cold climates and difficult soils. Its combination of evergreen foliage, wildlife value, and drought resistance makes it a standout for sustainable landscapes.

• Year-Round Interest: Evergreen leaves, spring flowers, and red berries provide four-season beauty.
• Cold Hardy Groundcover: Thrives where many other evergreens fail, even in Zone 2.
• Excellent Erosion Control: Dense roots stabilize poor and sandy soils.
• Low Water Requirements: Ideal for dry slopes and xeriscaping.
• Native Plant Benefits: Supports pollinators and wildlife without becoming invasive.

For a durable, attractive, and ecologically valuable groundcover in cold or challenging sites, Massachusetts Bearberry is an unmatched native solution.