SafePlants

Alpine Bearberry (Arctostaphylos alpina)

The alpine bearberry, scientifically known as Arctostaphylos alpina, goes by several common names including mountain bearberry and black bearberry. It is a dwarf shrub found in specific environments.

Considerations for Pets

• Alpine bearberry is a low-growing shrub.
• It produces black or blue-black berries.
• The plant has toothed leaves.

Considerations for Children

• Alpine bearberry is a low-growing shrub.
• It produces black or blue-black berries.
• The plant has toothed leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Arctostaphylos alpina (L.) Spreng.
• Family: Ericaceae (Heather Family)
• Synonyms:
  • Arbutus alpina L. (basionym)
  • Arctous alpina (L.) Niedenzu
  • Comarostaphylis polifolia

Distribution and Habitat

• Alpine bearberry is a low-growing shrub of high-elevation, boreal, and sub-Arctic regions.
• It can be found on alpine plateaus.
• It is found in the north and west, including the arctic tundra of Alaska and the Richardson Mountains in northern Yukon.
• Specific locations include Varrio Nature Reserve in Salla, Finland.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is a deciduous, procumbent (creeping) dwarf shrub, typically 10-30 cm tall.
• It is a perennial, highly branched shrub.
• The leaves are alternate and strongly veined, turning bright red in autumn before withering.
• It produces small, white, bell-shaped flowers very early in the year (May in the British Isles).
• It produces black or blue-black berries, unlike the common bearberry which has red berries.

Quirky Facts

• The common name "bearberry" derives from the edible fruit, which is said to be consumed, but not particularly enjoyed, by bears.
• The leaves wither and die in the winter. However, before they go they turn a bright red.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• It grows among reindeer lichen.
• The plant is part of the Alaska Tundra Foodweb.

Traditional Uses

• The Objibwa people have several uses for the alpine bearberry.
• It can be pounded and infused as an external wash for rheumatism.
• A decoction is used for other purposes (unspecified).

Conservation Status

• The alpine bearberry is listed as threatened by the state of Washington.
• It is said to be at risk from climate change and trampling by hikers.