Arctostaphylos uva ursi

This prostrate, woody evergreen shrub is a premier choice for groundcover in challenging conditions. It features a creeping growth habit, spreading via flexible stems that root at the nodes to form a dense mat. The leathery, paddle-shaped leaves are glossy green, turning a beautiful reddish-purple in winter. In spring, small, urn-shaped white or pink flowers appear, followed by ornamental red berries. It thrives in acidic, sandy, or rocky soils and is excellent for erosion control.