Other names:
kinnikinnick, pinemat manzanita
Description:
It contains the glycoside arbutin, which has antimicrobial properties and acts as a mild diuretic. It has been used for urinary tract complaints, including cystitis and urolithiasis.
An infusion may be made by soaking the leaves in ethanol and then diluting with water.
Cultivation:
It is a small procumbent woody shrub 5-30 cm high. The leaves are evergreen, remaining green for 1-3 years before falling. The fruit is a red berry.
The leaves are shiny, small and feel thick and stiff.
They are alternately arranged on the stems. Undersides of leaves are lighter green than on the tops. New stems can be red if the plant is in full sun, but are green in shadier areas. Older growth stems are brown. In spring, they have white or pink flowers. They are a common plant on Jack pine sites.
Plant info:
Ericaceae
Plant Longevity:
Perennial
Max height:
300mm / 11.81
Tags: herbs, alternative medicine, Bearberry, arctostaphylos uva-ursi,
