Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

(Kinnikinnick)

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Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 0072

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Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 0067

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Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Lake Dillon, Summit Co. 4965

Scientific Name Arctostaphylos uva-ursi USDA PLANTS Symbol ARUV
Common Name Kinnikinnick, Bearberry ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 23530
Family Ericaceae (Heath) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Montane to alpine (6100 to 13000 ft.); woodlands, dry, sandy or rocky areas, open spaces.
Plant: Trailing, mat-forming evergreen shrub a few inches tall, long woody branches.
Leaves: Oblanceolate to obovate, up to about an inch long and 1/8 to 3/8-inch wide; leathery, shiny, dark green on tops, lighter below.
Inflorescence: Clusters of urn-shaped, nodding pale-pink and white flowers less than 1/4-inch long.
Bloom Period: May to August.
Fruit: Bright red pea-size berries.
Reference: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield and "A Field Guide to Wildflowers of the Rocky Mountains" by Carl Schreier.
BONAP Distribution Map


Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains