Invasive Species Council of British Columbia
Grow Me Instead

Kinnickinnick

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

About This Species

Zone 2a BC Native

Grow me instead of Common periwinkle, Purple deadnettle

This BC native is a woody, ground-covering evergreen dwarf shrub with green, leathery, spoon-shaped leaves. Growing to 20 cm tall and and spreading a whopping 5 m horizontally, kinnickinnick blooms white to pink urn-shaped flowers in the spring and is replaced by red berries in the fall. It prefers sunny spots and well-drained soils, but can tolerate some shade. Kinnickinnick is also widely known as manzanita.

When selecting non-invasive plants for your garden, be sure to look for those that are suitable for your location, including moisture requirements, hardiness zone, and avoidance of known bear attractants among other factors.

Plant Special Features

  • Drought-tolerant
  • Fire smart
  • Pollinator friendly

Moisture Requirements

Low

Dry or occasionally moist conditions