Kinnikinnick

 

Kinnikinnick is a very low-growing native shrub that grows naturally in ponderosa pine forest openings. The dark green, shiny leaves are small and spoon-shaped, forming a beautiful, dense mat.

The tiny pink flowers that appear in spring turn into a mealy red berry that attracts birds.

It can be quite drought tolerant. It also grows well under ponderosa pines if it receive some sun. Kinnikinnik is an excellent choice for foothill landscapes with decomposed granite soil.

Look for the Colorado native species when purchasing plants. 

 

Close-up of a plant with green leaves and small pink-tipped white flowers.
Close-up of a plant with green leaves and small pink-tipped white flowers.
A dense ground cover of green-leafed plants with small pink and white flowers among scattered pine needles.
Dense green leaves with small red berries.
Close-up of a green leafy plant with small white and pink flowers.
A cluster of green, oval-shaped leaves with a few small berries in the background.
Dense cluster of low-growing plants with dark green glossy leaves and a small black sign identifying the plant.
Dense cluster of small dark green and purplish leaves with scattered brown leaves.

Kinnikinnick

 

Kinnikinnick is a very low-growing native shrub that grows naturally in ponderosa pine forest openings. The dark green, shiny leaves are small and spoon-shaped, forming a beautiful, dense mat.

The tiny pink flowers that appear in spring turn into a mealy red berry that attracts birds.

It can be quite drought tolerant. It also grows well under ponderosa pines if it receive some sun. Kinnikinnik is an excellent choice for foothill landscapes with decomposed granite soil.

Look for the Colorado native species when purchasing plants. 

 

Plant details
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Botanic Name

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

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Pronunciation

ark-toh-STAF-ih-los OO-va UR-see

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Mature Height

4 to 6 in.

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Mature Spread

2 to 6 ft.

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Water usage
Water Usage

One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.

Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.

Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.

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Flower Color

soft pink blooms in spring, red fruits in late summer

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Bloom time

early spring

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Colorado Native

Yes

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Natural Habitat

Europe, northern Asia, North America

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Light Requirements

sun to shade

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Cold Hardiness

USDA zones 2-6

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Elevation Limit

hardy to 10,000 ft.

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