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red fruit bearberry
Scientific Name: Arctostaphylos rubra
Family: Ericaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Red Fruit Bearberry: A Botanical Overview
This page provides information about Red Fruit Bearberry, including its scientific classification, common names, and key characteristics.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant produces berries that are attractive in appearance and size.
Scientific Name and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Arctostaphylos rubra (Rehd. & Wilson) Fernald
- Synonyms:
- Arctous rubra
- Arbutus uva-ursi
- Arctostaphylos adenotricha
- Arctostaphylos columbiana
Common Names
- Red Fruit Bearberry
- Alpine Bearberry
- Arctic Bearberry
- Red Manzanita
- Ravenberry
- Bear's Grape
- Kinnikinnick (referring to Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Taxonomy and Classification
- Family: Ericaceae (Heather Family)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Eurasia and northern North America.
- Found in arctic, subarctic, and temperate regions.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Leaves are dark green and thick with smooth margins.
- Bark is an attractive red-gray and exfoliates with age.
- Flowers are small, white to pink, and urn-shaped, blooming in April-May.
- Fruit is a red berry-like drupe, approximately 3/8 inch (8mm) in diameter, ripening in autumn and often persisting through winter. The fruit is fleshy, containing 1 to 5 stony seeds.
Ecological Role
- The name "bearberry" originates from the fact that bears consume the berries.
- The plant's evergreen leaves and bright red berries provide winter interest.
Traditional Uses
- Bearberry has a history of use for treating urinary tract ailments.