Bearberries, native dwarf shrubs that grow to only 3-6,” are blooming all over the Cape. They have tiny white, with a tinge of pink, bell-shaped flowers that dangle beneath their shiny leaves. These flowers will become red berries in the fall.

The name “bearberry” for the plant derives from the edible fruit which is a favorite food of bears. The fruit, also called bearberries, are edible and are sometimes gathered as food for humans. The leaves of the plant are used in herbal medicine.