Uva Ursi
Scientific Classification & Quick Facts
| Common name | Uva ursi |
| Scientific name | Arctostaphylos uva-ursi |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Arctostaphylos |
| Type | Evergreen creeping shrub |
| Habitat | Alpine forests, sun to partial shade |
| Native range | Europe, Himalayas, North America, Siberia |
| Colours | White or pink flowers, red berries |
| Flowering season | Summer |
| Special feature | Name means bear’s grape |
Uva ursi plant is also known as Pinemat Manzanita, Bearberry, Hog Berry, Mountain Box, Arberry, Mountain Cranberry, and Kinnikinnick. It is a woody ground cover shrub. In gardens, it is an attractive evergreen plant and is also used for the control of erosion. Mainly its leaves are used in the making of medicines. Uva Ursi is a Latin name that means “bear’s grape”. This herb has astringent and antimicrobial properties. Its astringent property helps in the treatment of bed-wetting problems and its antimicrobial property can help in fighting infections. It is a slow-growing plant.
History
From ancient times Uva Ursi has been used for medicinal purpose. From 2nd Century it has been used as an astringent, diuretic and antiseptic. In some parts of Russia it was used as a beverage tea and its berries were considered as an aid in weight loss. Native Americans smoke it by combining with tobacco.
Anatomy
The Uva ursi evergreen shrub produces red berries. It has short and creeping branches. These branches are reddish brown in color. It has white or pink bell shaped flowers. These flowers are followed by clusters of berries. Its Flowers bloom in the summer season. Its stem is decorated with small and glossy leaves. Its leaves are mixed with tobacco and used in smoking.
Habitat
Uva Ursi grows in alpine forests in many regions such as Europe, the Himalayas, the Iberian Peninsula, North America and Siberia. It is found from Labrador to Alaska, in Southern California and Virginia.
Soil for Planting
The Uva ursi plant requires well drained, sandy or rocky, slightly acidic soil. It grows well in poor, low-nutrient soil.
Planting
Planting of Uva ursi plant is done by sowing seeds. Usually its seeds germinate in 2 to 3 months. It is also propagated by stem cuttings or softwood cuttings. It is planted for medicinal purpose.
Watering
Watering is essential for the growth of Uva Ursi plants. They require deep and regular watering. Once established, watering once in a week is sufficient.
Temperature and Humidity
The seeds of Uva Ursi plant germinate at 15 degrees C. This plant grows best in USDA zones 2 to 6. It grows poorly in humid and hot summer season. It is very cold hardy and can survive temperatures well below freezing.
Flowering and Maturing Care
The Uva Ursi plant requires less care and maintenance. It requires full sunlight to partial shade. It can also tolerate drought. It does not require fertilizers.
Harvest
The leaves of Uva Ursi plant are harvested in the month of early autumn. Sometimes its berries are also harvested in the autumn season along with other parts of the plant.
Pests and Pesticides
No serious diseases and pests have known to be a problem for the Uva Ursi plant. It is susceptible to diseases like black mildew, root rot, rust, leaf spot and leaf gall. These diseases do not cause any serious damage to the plant.
Uses
Uva Ursi herb has traditionally been used for problems of the bladder and urinary tract. It is also used to treat bronchitis and constipation. This herb is also used as a general tonic for the pancreas or the liver and for weakened kidneys. Its leaf extract is helpful in removing excess liquid of the body. Its dried fruits are used as beads in a necklace. Its leaves and fruits are also used in the making of dyes.
Uva ursi FAQs
What does uva ursi mean?
Uva ursi is Latin for bear’s grape. The plant is also called bearberry, kinnikinnick and pinemat manzanita.
What does uva ursi look like?
It is a low, creeping evergreen shrub with reddish-brown branches and small glossy leaves. It has white or pink bell-shaped flowers followed by red berries.
Where does uva ursi grow?
It grows in alpine forests in Europe, the Himalayas, North America and Siberia. In North America it is found from Labrador to Alaska.
Is uva ursi easy to grow?
Yes, it needs little care. It likes sun to partial shade and can handle drought, but it grows slowly and does poorly in hot, humid summers.
What is uva ursi used for?
Its leaves are used in herbal medicine, mainly for bladder and urinary problems. It is also planted in gardens to control erosion.
Randi Jones is the owner and founder of the Nature Gift Store, an online retailer specializing in nature-themed gifts, educational science projects, live animal nature kits and real butterfly artwork. A biology graduate who fell in love with insects, she founded the company in 2001 to make active learning about nature fun, accessible and engaging for children and adults. Her store offers real butterfly frames, home and garden decor and educational live animal kits, including ant farms, worm farms, tadpoles, ladybugs and hermit crabs, and she runs a bug museum in Washington featuring live animals like Eddie the Iguana alongside other reptiles and insects.
