Uva Ursi

(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Basic Identification

Common Names

Bearberry
Uva ursi
Kinnikinnick
Rockberry
Mountain cranberry

Botanical Name

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Plant Family

Ericaceae (Heath family)

Parts Used

• Leaves (primary medicinal part)
• Berries (historically used, but not a primary medicinal part in modern herbalism)

Habitat and Native Range

Uva ursi is native to northern regions of Europe, Asia, and North America.

It thrives in:
• dry, sandy or rocky soils
• mountainous regions
• pine forests
• open woodlands
• tundra and subarctic environments

Uva ursi is a low-growing evergreen groundcover, often forming dense mats across the landscape.

It is well adapted to harsh climates and poor soils, making it a resilient and widely distributed plant in cooler regions.

Uva ursi has a long history of traditional use, particularly for urinary tract support, and remains a well-known herb in both traditional and modern Western herbalism.

Overview

Uva ursi is a powerful, targeted urinary tract herb in Western herbalism. Known for its strong antimicrobial and astringent properties, it is most commonly used to support urinary infections, inflammation, and irritation of the urinary system.

Unlike gentle, daily-use herbs, uva ursi is considered a short-term, condition-specific remedy, best used when clear signs of infection or irritation are present.

Its primary strength lies in its ability to:
• disinfect the urinary tract
• reduce inflammation
• tighten and tone irritated tissues

Despite its effectiveness, uva ursi is not a mild herb and is typically reserved for acute situations rather than long-term use.

It is especially valuable in conditions involving:
heat, irritation, and infection in the urinary system

Basic Uses

Uva ursi is commonly used for:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Burning or painful urination
• Frequent or urgent urination
• Inflammation of the bladder (cystitis)
• Mild kidney or urinary tract irritation
• Excess moisture or irritation in the urinary system

It is most effective when used early in an infection or during acute flare-ups

Botanical Description / Morphology

Growth Habit

Low-growing, evergreen perennial shrub forming dense, trailing mats
Typically grows 2–8 inches tall, spreading outward along the ground

Stem

• Woody, creeping stems
• Reddish-brown in color
• Smooth surface
• Forms extensive groundcover through horizontal growth

Leaves

Arrangement: Alternate
Shape: Small, oval to spatula-shaped (obovate)
Margin: Smooth (entire)
Surface: Thick, leathery, glossy on top, paler underneath

Leaves are evergreen and persist year-round

Venation

• Fine, netted venation (not highly pronounced)
• Central vein visible, with subtle branching

Flowers

Type: Urn-shaped (typical of Ericaceae family)
Color: Pale pink to white
Structure: Small, bell-like flowers in clusters

Fruit

• Bright red berries (drupes)
• Smooth, round, and firm
• Persist into winter

Roots

• Shallow, spreading root system
• Adapted to poor, rocky, or sandy soils

Key Identifying Features

• Low-growing, mat-forming evergreen shrub
• Thick, leathery, glossy leaves
• Small pink bell-shaped flowers
• Bright red berries
• Woody creeping stems

Similar Species / Lookalikes

• Arctostaphylos spp. (Manzanita) – larger shrub form, similar leaves but much taller growth habit
• Vaccinium species (blueberries/cranberries) – similar berries, but different leaf texture and growth pattern
• Gaultheria procumbens (wintergreen) – similar size and habitat, but distinct aroma and different leaf shape

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