Uva Ursi, aka Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi, is a low-growing, evergreen shrub native to mountainous regions throughout the northern hemisphere. Uva Ursi is a member of the Ericaceae family with thick leaves and clusters of urn-shaped flowers. When in fruit, the berries resemble a bunch of grapes which bears are known to occasionally snack upon. Also called bearberry, Uva Ursi leaf is astringent and tannic, and can be tinctured, applied topically, or brewed as tea.