Alpine Bearberry
Arctostaphylos alpina

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

Arctostaphylos alpina is a deciduous Shrub growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 1 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.1

Where it is found

Mountain moors and stony places on calcareous Alps up to 2500 metres.

N. Europe, including Britain, N. Asia to Japan, west to Greenland and northern N. America..

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit - raw or cooked. Very juicy but slightly bitter. Another report says that they are juicy but insipid. The flavour is much improved by cooking. Not as nice as many other wild fruits, but nor are they unpleasant. The fruit is about 6 - 9mm in diameter, it is not usually produced very freely.

Medicine

Rating: 1

An infusion of the pounded plant has been used as an external wash in the treatment of rheumatism and general illnesses. A decoction of the bark is used in the treatment of internal blood diseases. The leaves are narcotic and have been smoked to cause intoxication.

Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.

Blood purifier: Purifies the blood.

Narcotic: Relieves pain, induces drowsiness and gives a sense of well-being.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Requires a deep moist well-drained light or medium lime-free loam in sun or semi-shade. Prefers a cool damp position. Plants resent root disturbance and should be placed in their final positions as soon as possible. Grows well in a rock garden. This plant is placed in a separate genus, as Arctuous alpinus, by some botanists due to its deciduous habit.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a shady position in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe. Pre-soak dried seed and sow as early in the year as possible. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 3 months at 15°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in greenhouse or cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Cuttings of side shoots, 5 - 8cm with a heel, August to December in a frame. Takes one year. Division in early spring. Take care because the plant resents root disturbance. Pot the divisions up and keep them in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are growing away actively. Layering in spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Arbutus alpina. Arctous alpina. (L.)Niedenzu.