Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, commonly known as bearberry, kinnikinnick, or mealberry, is a hardy, low-growing evergreen shrub that forms dense mats of glossy foliage, making it an invaluable groundcover in cold and challenging climates. Native to circumpolar regions of North America, Europe, and Asia, this plant thrives in poor, sandy, or rocky soils where few others can survive, spreading slowly by underground stems to create durable carpets of greenery that stabilize slopes and resist erosion. Its small, leathery, dark green leaves persist year-round, providing texture and color even in winter, while in spring it produces charming clusters of urn-shaped, pale pink to white flowers that dangle delicately at the tips of the stems, attracting bees and other pollinators. By late summer to fall, these blossoms give way to bright red berries that not only add seasonal interest but also serve as food for wildlife, including birds and, as the common name suggests, bears. In landscaping, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is especially prized for its toughness—it is drought-tolerant, salt-tolerant, and able to withstand extreme cold, making it suitable for alpine gardens, coastal plantings, and restoration projects. Its adaptability, evergreen character, and combination of ornamental flowers and berries make it both a functional and attractive choice for naturalistic or low-maintenance designs, embodying resilience while enriching the landscape with subtle beauty across the seasons.