Arctostaphylos

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, the bearberry, is the quintessential native ground cover for Martha's Vineyard's sandy, acidic coastal conditions, thriving in the exposed, nutrient-poor, well-drained soils of the island's coastal heathlands, beach margins, and sandplain communities where few other ornamental plants survive reliably. Its trailing evergreen branches provide year-round coverage with white urn-shaped flowers in spring and bright red berries in fall that are consumed by grouse, wild turkeys, and migrating birds common to the Vineyard's open landscapes. It is exceptionally tolerant of salt air and coastal wind, making it one of the most appropriate native choices for the most challenging oceanfront property exposures in Edgartown and Katama.

Deer resistance is reliable. Estate Care professionals specify bearberry in coastal restoration programs and naturalistic landscape designs on properties with the most demanding exposure conditions, where ecological authenticity and long-term durability are the primary performance criteria.