Red alpine bearberry
Arctostaphylos rubra

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

A shrub that lies along the ground. It grows 4-20 cm high. The main stems are woody. They are like wire. They are 3-5 mm across. It has many branches. It forms a colony like a mat. The bark is reddish-brown and flaky. The current year's growth is erect and 1-7 cm long. There are 5-7 leaves and ends with a winter bud. It is covered by thick scales. The leaves are alternate and broadly sword shaped. They are 1-5 cm long by 5-15 mm wide. There are teeth along the edge. The flowers are white. They are in groups of 3-6 flowered panicles. The fruit are red and fleshy. They are 9-12 mm across.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in northern regions in North America and China and also at high altitudes in Yunnan at 3,300-4,000 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Alaska, Arctic, Canada, China, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten or made into jam.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Arctous ruber (Rehder et Wilson) Nakai;