Kinnickinnick

Arctostaphylos uva ursi

This dainty-looking, native evergreen ground cover thrives in most soils, even in sand. It is surprisingly hardy and needs little care. Prostrate trailing branches thickly covered with small dark green leaves yield white or pink blossoms in late spring. Bright red berries follow, lasting well into winter. Native Americans valued the berries as food and the leaves in smoking mixtures. It is a beautiful way to cover a lot of ground in a hurry. It is great for sunny slopes and cascading down walls. USDA Zones 5-10.