Uva ursi is a woody, shrub-like groundcover with small, thick, oval-shaped, shiny leaves that remain evergreen for up to three years before falling off. Clusters of white or pink flowers appear from hanging stalks in spring. The fruit can be described as a small red berry, although drupe, or seed stone, is more technically correct.
A cousin to blueberry and cranberry, uva ursi is known by numerous common names, some of which indicate it is a favorite food for bears. Like other members of the Ericaceae or heather family, it can thrive in challenging terrain and infertile soil but prefers acidic environments.
