Quick answer: Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is native to 34 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Walter Siegmund, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Low water, Dry-Moist, high drought tolerance |
| Soil | Rocky or sandy, acid soils |
| Bloom | Bloom Mar-Jun |
| Height | 6-12 in tall, spread up to 15 ft |
| Wildlife value | Fruit favored by birds and wildlife, larval host for Hoary Elfin/Brown Elfin/Freija Fritillary, attracts butterflies/hummingbirds |
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Bearberry
Where is Bearberry native?
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is native to 34 states across the Northeast, Midwest, South and West. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Bearberry bloom?
Bearberry blooms Mar-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Bearberry need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Low water, Dry-Moist, high drought tolerance. Soil: Rocky or sandy, acid soils. Mature height: 6-12 in tall, spread up to 15 ft.
Is Bearberry good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Fruit favored by birds and wildlife, larval host for Hoary Elfin/Brown Elfin/Freija Fritillary, attracts butterflies/hummingbirds.
Is Bearberry deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Bearberry is deer-resistant, drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Where can I buy real Bearberry seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Arctostaphylos uva-ursi on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Bearberry.
- Eastern red columbine Aquilegia canadensis
- Indiangrass Sorghastrum nutans
- Quaking aspen Populus tremuloides
- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta
- Cutleaf coneflower Rudbeckia laciniata
- Switchgrass Panicum virgatum
Also listed under
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