Red Fruit Bearberry
Arctous rubra
- Native to:
- Canada, China, Japan, Korea, Russia, United States
iNaturalist: © kilasiak (iNaturalist #27461972)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Genus:
- Arctous
- Species:
- Arctous rubra
- USDA Symbol:
- ARRU
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 15 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Mendocino saturnia moth (Saturnia mendocino)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- red, orange
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.0 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to alpine and subalpine regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 21–60 days
- Notes:
- Germination can be slow and erratic. Seeds benefit from cold-moist stratification and may require light for germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Source: Claude AI