Plant profile

Kinnikinnick

Genus Arctostaphylos (groundcover spp.)

Kinnikinnick is a tough, low-growing evergreen groundcover in the genus Arctostaphylos (often called bearberry) that forms a tidy mat and offers small spring flowers followed by red berries.

Plant Type

Shrubs > Kinnikinnick

Aliases

Bearberry, kinnikinnick

Native Range

Broadly native to northern regions of North America (varies by species).

Bloom window

Spring

Overview Summary Impact Recognition Location Requirements Glossary Get Involved

OVERVIEW

About This Plant

Kinnikinnick (genus Arctostaphylos, groundcover species) is a durable, low-growing evergreen groundcover that provides year-round structure and soil moisture conservation in sunny, well-drained spots. This plant is functionally important for building resilient, low-fuss layers in a habitat garden.

For wildlife, the plant offers resources across multiple seasons. Its small, bell-shaped flowers are an early spring kickoff source of nectar and pollen for emerging native insects. Later, the red berries (often called bearberries) provide a seasonal food source for birds and small mammals. To ensure its ecological benefit, site Kinnikinnick away from excessive moisture and maintain a pesticide-free surrounding area.

Best role for pollinators

Sunny groundcover areas, edges of paths, rock gardens, and low-maintenance plantings where you want year-round greenery.

Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos spp.) — https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/120877077 Photo: (c) joelmc, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC) | CC-BY-NC | iNaturalist

FAST FACTS

Quick Details

Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.

Category	Details
Also known as	Bearberry, kinnikinnick
Bloom window	Spring
Typical height	Low-growing groundcover
Pollinators supported	Bees
Light & moisture	Best in sun to part sun with well-drained soil; avoid soggy spots.
Best roles for pollinators	Sunny groundcover areas, edges of paths, rock gardens, and low-maintenance plantings where you want year-round greenery.

SUMMARY

If You Remember Three Things

A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.

What they do

Kinnikinnick covers the ground with evergreen leaves and offers small spring flowers that can support early pollinators.

What they need

Sun to part sun and well-drained soil; give it space and avoid overwatering.

One best action

Choose a well-drained spot and keep mulch light so the stems can breathe and spread.

IMPACT

Why Plant This?

Even small patches of flowering groundcovers can add up. Kinnikinnick offers spring blooms and evergreen cover, making it a practical plant for pollinator-friendly gardens that also look good year-round.

Kinnikinnick is often used as a groundcover because it stays low and keeps its leaves through winter.

Key Impacts

What it Supports

Adds early-season blooms when many gardens are just waking up.
Creates a low, evergreen layer that can make a planting feel finished year-round.
Works well in small spaces—one patch can be a “small step” for pollinators.

RECOGNITION

Identification Guide

Look for a low, trailing evergreen plant with small, leathery leaves and clusters of tiny bell-shaped flowers in spring.

Leaves

Small, thick, evergreen leaves on trailing stems; leaves are often oval and leathery.

Flowers

Small, bell-shaped flowers in spring, usually in short clusters.

Fruits

Red berries may appear after flowering.

LOCATION

Where It Grows

Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.

Habitats

Open, sunny areas with well-drained soils
Rocky or sandy sites
Dry edges and slopes

Where it is often used

Evergreen groundcover for sunny areas
Rock garden or dry edge planting
Erosion-prone slopes where a low mat is helpful
Front-of-border filler to reduce bare soil

SEASONALITY

When It Blooms

Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.

Bloom window

Kinnikinnick blooms in spring with small flowers that can be especially helpful when few other plants are flowering.

Bloom Season Role: Early-season nectar and pollen from small spring flowers.

Seasonal benefits

Provides early blooms for visiting insects
Adds seasonal interest before summer perennials fill in

REQUIREMENTS

What It Needs

The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.

Sun exposure

Sun to part sun is best; too much shade can make it thin out.

Soil type

Well-drained soil is key; sandy or rocky soils are often a good fit. Avoid heavy, waterlogged areas.

Moisture needs

Water to establish, then let the soil dry slightly between waterings. Once settled, it generally prefers not to stay wet.

Planting method

Plant where it can spread as a low mat. Keep the crown at soil level and avoid burying stems.

Mulching tips

Use a thin layer of mulch (or none) so stems aren’t smothered; keep mulch pulled back from the base.

GARDENING GUIDE

How to Grow It

Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.

Planting tips

Pick a sunny to partly sunny spot with good drainage.
Clear weeds and loosen the top layer of soil.
Set the plant so the crown sits at soil level (not buried).
Water in well after planting.
Add only a light mulch layer, keeping it away from stems.

Seasonal care

Water during the first growing season while it establishes, then reduce watering.
Weed by hand so the mat can knit together.
Keep fallen leaves from piling up thickly on top of the plant.
If it gets leggy, lightly tidy stems rather than cutting it back hard.