How to Grow Kinnikinnick

Kinnikinnick

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

shrub

Kinnikinnick is a low-growing, evergreen ground cover native to North America, Europe, and Asia. It features small, leathery leaves and produces delicate pink or white flowers followed by bright red berries. This hardy, drought-tolerant shrub is excellent for erosion control and naturalizing in challenging locations.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering and berry production

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Water: Low water needs once established; water regularly during first growing season to establish deep roots. Drought-tolerant thereafter; avoid overwatering which can cause root rot.

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Spacing: 18 inches

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Days to maturity: Not applicable (perennial shrub); reaches mature size in 3-5 years

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as container; spread root system outward

Soil

Type: Well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil; tolerates poor soil conditions

pH: 4.5-6.0

Amendments:

Peat moss Coarse sand Perlite Avoid heavy fertilization

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 2-8, with best performance in cool to moderate climates

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

Growth Stages

Establishment

First year

Young plants focus on root development with limited above-ground growth

Water consistently but allow soil to dry between waterings. Mulch lightly with sand or gravel. Avoid disturbing roots.

Vegetative Growth

Year 1-3

Develops trailing stems with glossy, oval leaves; spreads horizontally across ground

Provide adequate spacing for spreading. Minimal pruning needed. Continue regular watering during dry periods.

Flowering

4-6 weeks in spring

Small bell-shaped flowers appear in clusters, typically pink or white, with reddish tinges

Blooms in spring (April-May). Do not fertilize heavily as this reduces flowering. Ensure full sun exposure.

Fruiting

Summer through winter

Develops bright red (occasionally orange or yellow) round berries that persist into winter

Berries provide wildlife food and ornamental value. No special care needed during fruiting.

Dormancy

Winter months

Evergreen foliage remains, but growth slows significantly in winter; leaves may darken

Minimal watering needed. No pruning required unless removing dead wood. Provide wind protection in harsh climates.

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Juniper Bearberry Creeping phlox Sedums Low-growing conifers Mountain laurel Blueberry

Avoid planting near:

Heavy feeders requiring frequent fertilization Plants requiring consistent moisture Tall shade-casting plants that block sunlight

Common Pests

Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, remove affected leaves, apply fungicide if severe
Increase humidity with misting, use neem oil spray, prune affected stems
Remove affected foliage, spray with insecticidal soap, encourage natural predators
Improve drainage immediately, reduce watering, remove affected plants, amend soil with sand and perlite

Uses

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Urinary tract support

Medicinal

Historically used by Native Americans and in traditional medicine, kinnikinnick leaves contain arbutin, a compound that may support urinary tract health. Modern herbalists prepare leaf tea, though clinical evidence is limited. [source]

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Food source for wildlife

Wildlife

The red berries are an important late-season food source for birds, bears, and other wildlife, making kinnikinnick invaluable for wildlife gardens and natural landscapes. [source]

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Ground cover and erosion control

Household

Excellent for stabilizing slopes and poor soils where other plants won't grow. Used in xeriscaping, native plant gardens, and ecological restoration projects. [source]

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Traditional beverage

Culinary

Leaves have been dried to create a traditional tea with a slightly astringent, earthy flavor. Some cultures used it as a smoking blend. [source]

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Ornamental landscaping

Craft

Year-round beauty with evergreen foliage, spring flowers, and persistent red berries makes it a prized ornamental in rock gardens, alpine gardens, and native plant landscapes. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Berries can be harvested in fall (August-October) when fully red by hand-picking. Some leave berries for wildlife. Historically, leaves were harvested and dried for tea. No heavy harvesting recommended as it may stress the plant.

Fun Facts

🌱 The word 'kinnikinnick' comes from the Algonquian language and historically referred to a smoking mixture used by Native Americans, often containing the dried leaves of this plant.
🌱 Kinnikinnick has a remarkable ability to fix nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi, allowing it to thrive in nutrient-poor soils where few other plants can survive.
🌱 The bright red berries persist on the plant well into winter, providing a crucial food source for migrating birds and bears preparing for hibernation.

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