This name is not universally accepted, with some authorities still using the name Arctostaphylos rubra (Rehder & E.H.Wilson) Fernald. We are following the treatment in the Flora of China[] and the Flora of N. America[].

Common Name:

General Information

Arctous rubra is a deciduous shrub growing 3 - 20cm tall The plant spreads by stolons and rhizomes to form trailing mats of growth[, ].
The plant is occasionally harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It can be used in restoration projects within its native range and is also sometimes grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - China, Korea; N. America - Alaska to NewFoundland, south to British Colombia,Wyoming and Manitoba

Habitat

Rocky and gravelly, arctic or alpine tundra, often in calcareous soils, coastal limestone heaths, swampy woods; at elevations up to 2,500 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	0.15 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Arctous rubra occurs in areas with cold temperate, boreal, and arctic climates, and thus has a very high winter hardiness[].
The plant grows besy in a sunny position ans prefers moist to wet soils, although drainage may vary from good to poor. It is rated moderately tolerant to intolerant of drought[]. It is found most commonly in loams, sands, or gravels of variable pH[]. The soil can be very rich in organic matter, though permafrost layer often underlies the soil and drainage is thus poor. Soil pH can range widely, the plant being found in very acid conditions with a pH as low as 3.4 - 3.9, whilst it can also be found in calcareous soils where the pH can range from 8.0 - 8.2[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. Whilst edible they are not generally considered to be very palatable to humans, though they are widely eaten by many other creatures.[]. The fruit can be used to make a jam[]. The brick red or scarlet, globose fruits are 6 - 10mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

The fresh fruit has been eaten to treat a cold[]

Agroforestry Uses:

Arctous rubra is recommended for restoration plantings on moist to wet sites in upper subalpine and boreal sites. It has shown 'promise' for establishment on disturbed sites. For example, the plant recovered within 2 - 3 years after oil spills in the Northwest Territories. On winter spill sites, it was 'markedly stimulated' after the spill, probably due to reduced interference from other plant species[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe. Arctostaphylos seeds, especially if not sown fresh, are generally stimulated into germinating by one of two methods. The most effective is fire passing quickly over seeds that are lying dormant in the soil - this breaks down their surface coat allowing them to imbibe moisture when it next rains and then germinate. Alternatively, stomach acids act upon the seed coat when the fruit is eaten by various animals - the seed frequently passes through the gut unharmed and is deposited in a convenient pile of nutrients when the animal defecates - the seed will often still benefit from a period of winter cold before germinating in the spring. Both of these methods can be somewhat reproduced by the gardener - the seed can be placed under some straw which is then set alight - both seeds and ashes should be sown. Alternatively, pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water will have somewhat the same effect as stomach acids. Follow this treatment with a cold stratification at 2 - 5°c for 2 months[, ]. The seed will then usually germinate in 2 - 3 months at 15°c[]. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots, being very careful no to damage the roots, and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame for at least their first winter, Plant out in late spring or early summer.
Cuttings of side shoots, 5 - 8cm with a heel, late summer to early winter in a frame. Takes one year[].
Division in early spring. Take care because the plant resents root disturbance[]. Pot the divisions up and keep them in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are growing away actively.
Layering in spring[].