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Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

9.9
A low, spreading bush with small white flowers, red berries, and leaves that turn red in autumn
  • noun
  • /ˌɑrktoʊˈstæfɪloʊs ˌjuːvəˈɜrsi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : uva de oso
  • The low-growing Arctostaphylos uva-ursi provided a dense ground cover in the alpine garden.

Examples

  • In autumn, the leaves of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi turn a vivid red, adding color to forest floors.

  • The low-growing Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, with its small white flowers, thrives in rocky areas.

  • Botanists studied the medicinal properties of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaves used in traditional remedies.

  • The Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is commonly found in rocky areas.

  • I planted Arctostaphylos uva-ursi in my garden this spring.

  • In autumn, the shiny leaves of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi turn a striking red, enhancing the landscape.

  • I often admire the Arctostaphylos uva-ursi plants in my garden for their vibrant red berries.

Synonyms

bear's grape
vsArctostaphylos uva-ursi
  • UK
9.9

A low plant that stays green all year with small white flowers and red berries

is the same species but named using an alternative common term
red bearberry
vsArctostaphylos uva-ursi
  • UK
9.6

A low evergreen shrub with small white flowers, red berries, and leaves that turn red in autumn

is the same species but named using an alternative common term
sandberry
vsArctostaphylos uva-ursi
9.9

An evergreen low bush with small white flowers, red berries, and leaves that turn red in autumn

is the same species but named using an alternative common term
wild cranberry
vsArctostaphylos uva-ursi
  • UK
4.4

A low bush that stays green all year and has small white flowers and red berries

is the same species but named using an alternative common term
creashak
vsArctostaphylos uva-ursi
  • UK
9.9

An evergreen low shrub with small white flowers, red berries, and leaves that turn red in autumn

is the same species but named using an alternative common term
hog cranberry
vsArctostaphylos uva-ursi
  • UK
9.9

A low evergreen shrub with small white flowers and red berries whose leaves turn red in autumn

is the same species but named using an alternative common term
mealberry
vsArctostaphylos uva-ursi
  • UK
9.9

A low evergreen shrub with small white flowers, bright red berries, and leaves that turn red in autumn

is the same species but named using an alternative common term
common bearberry
vsArctostaphylos uva-ursi
7.9

A low evergreen plant with small white flowers and red berries found in northern regions

is the same species but named using an alternative common term
sand berry
vsArctostaphylos uva-ursi
  • US
9.2

A low evergreen bush with small white flowers, red berries, and leaves that turn red in autumn

is the same species but named using an alternative common term
mountain box
vsArctostaphylos uva-ursi
  • UK
9.9

A low evergreen shrub from North America and Eurasia with small white flowers and red berries

is the same species but named using an alternative common term

Surface Forms

Morphology

Arctostaphylos + uva-ursi

This is a scientific Latin binomial (genus + species) rather than a compositional English phrase; the parts are proper names and not interpretable as ordinary English vocabulary by a B1 learner. The species element 'uva-ursi' is not a common English word (and is not listed here), and even knowing Latin roots would not make the shrub meaning transparently derivable, so the expression is effectively idiomatic/technical and opaque to learners.

Etymology

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi comes from old Greek and Latin words: Arctostaphylos and uva-ursi, which mean 'bear' and 'grape'. Bears were often seen eating its round red berries, so the name means 'bear's grape' and helps you remember this low shrub with red berries.