A trailing plant of the heath family (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), having leaves which are tonic and astringent, and glossy red berries of which bears are said to be fond
Flowering, prostrate, evergreen shrub (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) of the heath family, growing widely throughout North America in rocky and sandy woods and open areas. It has woody stems that are often 5-6 ft (1.5-1.8 m) long. Roots develop from stem joints, and the plant spreads, forming a broad, massive ground cover. The foliage turns bronzy in winter. The white, pink, or pink-tipped flowers are shaped like a narrow-mouthed bell. The berries are red