Bearberry Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 4,407 found this helpful

No valid literature records confirm the toxicity of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi to humans or common livestock

The entire plant is not suitable for animal feed, and its fruits are inedible for human consumption

It may be confused with other Ericaceae species, some of which are highly toxic

FAQ

Is Bearberry toxic to Humans?

No confirmed toxicity symptoms documented in the provided reference data (Non-toxic)

Is Bearberry toxic to Cats?

No confirmed toxicity symptoms documented in the provided reference data (Non-toxic)

Is Bearberry toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed toxicity symptoms documented in the provided reference data (Non-toxic)

Is Bearberry toxic to Horses?

No confirmed toxicity symptoms documented in the provided reference data (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxicity symptoms documented in the provided reference data

Cats

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxicity symptoms documented in the provided reference data

Dogs

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxicity symptoms documented in the provided reference data

Horses

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxicity symptoms documented in the provided reference data

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo parts confirmed to be toxic per available literature; fruits are inedible, and the entire plant is not suitable for animal feed

Exposure RouteIngestion is the primary potential exposure route

Toxic Compounds

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water immediately after ingesting any part of the plant
• Stop consuming remaining plant material right away
• Monitor for any unusual physical discomfort within 24 hours

Contact Vet Immediately

• If pets/livestock show abnormal symptoms after ingesting the plant
• If large quantities of the plant are consumed by any animal
• If children accidentally eat the inedible fruits

Prevention

• Keep the plant out of reach of children and pets to avoid accidental ingestion
• Distinguish it from visually similar toxic Ericaceae species before handling
• Never use the plant as animal feed or consume its raw fruits

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide symptom-based supportive care if adverse reactions occur
• Seek prompt medical/veterinary attention for persistent discomfort

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameArctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng.

AliasesEvergreen bearberry、True bearberry、Common bear grape

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

Mechanism of Action

• No toxicity mechanism documented in the provided reference data

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

General livestock: No confirmed toxicity reports, but the plant is not suitable for use as feed

Wild herbivores: No documented adverse effects from ingestion reported in available literature

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Lingonberry Vaccinium vitis-idaea

Visually similar to bearberry, non-toxic; key difference is its bright edible fruits vs bearberry's inedible fruits

Other Vaccinium species Vaccinium spp. (excluding V. vitis-idaea)

Most are non-toxic with edible fruits, differ from bearberry in leaf shape and fruit edibility

Bog rosemary Andromeda polifolia

Visually similar to bearberry, highly toxic; key difference is its narrower needle-like leaves and pink urn-shaped flowers

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Related Toxic Plants

Bog rosemary

Andromeda polifolia

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

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