Quick answer: Trailing arbutus (Epigaea repens) is native to 24 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Fritzflohrreynolds, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-3.0)
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 | Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium |
| Soil | Well-drained, humus-rich, acidic |
| Bloom | Mar-May |
| Height | Prostrate, stems to 20 in |
| Wildlife value | Attracts butterflies, larval host for Hoary Elfin |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 16 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 16 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Trailing arbutus
Where is Trailing arbutus native?
Trailing arbutus (Epigaea repens) is native to 24 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Trailing arbutus bloom?
Trailing arbutus blooms Mar-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Trailing arbutus need?
Light: Part Shade, Shade. Water: Medium. Soil: Well-drained, humus-rich, acidic. Mature height: Prostrate, stems to 20 in.
Is Trailing arbutus good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts butterflies, larval host for Hoary Elfin.
Is Trailing arbutus deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Trailing arbutus is tolerates shade.
Where can I buy Trailing arbutus?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 16 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Epigaea repens by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Trailing arbutus.
- Sweet-fern Comptonia peregrina
- Southern arrowwood Viburnum dentatum
- Steeplebush Spiraea tomentosa
- New England aster Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
- Eastern red columbine Aquilegia canadensis
- Mapleleaf viburnum Viburnum acerifolium
Also listed under
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