Easily confused with : Cowberry but is a sprawling prostrate undershrub which is never erect unlike Cowberry. The stems can trail up to 5 feet.

Some similarities to: Dwarf Willow in that both are low-growing plants on mountains but the leaves of Dwarf Willow are cupped inwards whereas those of Bearberry are curved outwards.

Related to : Arctic Bearberry but unlike Arctic Bearberry, where the leaves are deciduous, in Bearberry the leaves are evergreen, are paler beneath and not as deeply vein-grooved. Also, the leaves of Bearberry can be slightly round-toothed.

No relation to : Bears' Breech(es) nor to Barberry [plants of similar names].

A GLYCOSIDIC QUINONE Bearberry was previously placed into the Genus Arbusus but has now been re-assigned to the Genus Arctostaphylos. Arbutin, found in Bearberry and other members of the same genus, (and also in the Strawberry Tree - a member of the Arbusus genus) is a glycosylated hydroquinone. Arbutin prevents the formation of melanin in the skin which is generated in the skin in response to sunlight (a tan). Arbutin readily breaks down into a monosaccharide sugar and hydroquinone which is a compound used as a skin whitening agent. Arbutin is therefore also used as a skin-lightening substance. Perhaps a famous deceased pop-star used it? Arbutin has a high concentration in the skins of pears. Methyl Arbutin is also present.

A PENTACYCLIC TRITERPENOID Ursolic Acid (aka Micromerol, Urson, Prunol and Malol) is found in a variety of plants belonging to the Heath and Mint families. It is present in the fruits of Bilberry, Cranberry and Bearberry, and also in other species such as Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Peppermint, and in Apple peel. It is a penta-cyclic triterpene acid, used in cosmetics for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-tumour activity. It is used in ointments for the treatment of burns. It has anti-cancer properties when ingested.

Like Bilberry it contains Hyperoside, a flavone glycoside and Arbutin, a hydroquinone glycoside. It is thought that Arbutin is hydrolysed within the alkaline parts of the human anatomy (urine in the bladder) to hydroquinone, and that it is the hydroquinone itself which is responsible for the anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-septic effects on the urinary tract.

Like Woodruff it contains the Iridoid Glycosides Monotropeine.

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