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Inflorescence a raceme, 3-10 flowers; flowers radially symmetric, nodding; sepals 4-5, distinct, egg-shaped, 1-1.3 mm long and wide, pinkish; petals 4-5, fused into pitcher shape, 0.5 mm long, 1.3-1.5 mm wide, white to pink; stamens 8 or 10, awned, anthers reddish brown; pistils 1, ovary superior

Similar species: Arctostaphylos rubra A. rubra can be distinguised from A. uva-ursi by thin, veiny, deciduous leaves that are 2-4 cm long and turn red in autumn. The fruit is a juicy berry that is 6-10 mm across. Medical uses: The drupes can be used as a natural remedy for diarrhea, but if taken in excess, can cause constipation. The leaves are often used in natural medicine as a remedy for urinary tract infection. However, prolonged usage can lead to stomach and liver problems, and may cause uterin contractions. Ethno-botanical uses: The Eastern Algonquin used this plant to stretch tobacco, and gave it the name “kinnikinnick.” Yukon Athapaskans boiled the drupes and fried them with sugar. The Cree and Chipewyan crushed the drupes and cooked them in lard. They then added them to freshwater fish caviar, and sweetened the mixtrue with birch syrup.

Alberta: throughout Alberta, except for the Southeast corner of the province. CAN (BC, LB, MB, NB, NF, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT); USA (AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, IA, ID, IL, IN, MA, ME, MI, MN, MT, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WY); DEN (GL); FRA(SPM)