What is Uva Ursi Leaf Powder?

Uva Ursi Leaf Powder is the ground dried leaf of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, a small evergreen ground cover in the heath family. Its Latin name means "bear's grape," a nod to the red berries that bears do eat, and it is just as often called Bearberry. The leaves are small, leathery, and astringent, and carry the compounds arbutin and tannins.

About the plant

The plant hugs the ground across the arctic and alpine reaches of the Northern Hemisphere. Several circumpolar and Indigenous peoples have long-documented relationships with it: the Algonquian name Kinnikinnick refers to it, and it appears in Sami and other northern traditions as well. Its low mat of glossy leaves and bright red berries makes it a familiar sight in cold, rocky landscapes.

Uva Ursi Leaf Powder: form & sizes

We carry Uva Ursi Leaf Powder as ground leaf powder, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Uva Ursi Leaf Powder in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Uva Ursi Leaf Powder at a glance

Botanical name

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Family

Ericaceae (heath family)

Native region

arctic and alpine regions across the Northern Hemisphere

Plant part

leaf

Also known as

Bearberry, Kinnikinnick (Algonquian)

Name meaning

"Bear's grape" (Latin uva ursi)

Notable compounds

Arbutin, tannins, flavonoids

Form

ground leaf powder

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb