
Description
At least a few other names exist for this small evergreen shrub; Sandberry, Bearberry, Hog Cranberry and Kinnikinnick. The last of these nicknames is actually a Lenape people (from the Algonquin Nation) word that means “mixture” specifically referring to a ceremonial smoking blend in the language. Uva Ursi leaves were one of three herbs used in this blend. The berries apparently are tasty to bears and so when the plant…