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

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 : Spiny Bears' Breech(es) nor to Barberry [plants of similar names].

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.

Ursolic Acid 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. It has anti-cancer properties when ingested.

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