Looking for a hardy ground cover for your garden? Look no further than the Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, also known as bearberry or kinnikinnick. This evergreen shrub grows slowly and typically reaches 6-12" in height and 3-6' in width. Its red berries are popular with birds, but not recommended for human consumption. This plant is perfect for steep, sandy banks in a sunny position or light shade. Its fast-growing and carpeting nature also makes it valuable in checking soil erosion on watersheds. Interestingly, the dried leaves have been used for smoking, though it's unclear whether it was for medicinal purposes or for the intoxicated state it can produce. With its shiny, thick leaves and pink flowers in spring, this plant is sure to be a beautiful addition to any garden.