Arctostaphylos

This low-growing evergreen ground cover spreads slowly to form a dense, broad mat. The small, oval leaves are glossy, vibrant bright green to dark green in summer, changing to bronze or reddish in the fall. The combination of texture and color in the leaves creates a unique ground cover effect of an emerald carpet. Small whitish-pink urn-shaped flower spikes bloom from late April to May, followed by bright red berries in late June and August. Bearberry requires well-drained soil, but it is otherwise quite adaptable in its soil requirements. Soil pH is apparently not critical, and its habit of growing near sea beaches indicates that it is also quite tolerant of salty soil. Prospers on infertile, sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil, and should not be fertilized. Michael Dirr in his Manual of Woody Landscape Plants notes that bearberry has been called "the prettiest, sturdiest, and most reliable ground cover". Bearberry also has a history of medicinal use.

Similar to the species form above. A more compact selection with smaller leaves than the species, selected by Dr. Robert Ticknor. More disease resistance than the species to gall and leaf spot. More productive, tends to flower and fruit well with light pink blossoms and bright red fruit. Makes a good rock garden plant and is deer resistant.