A prostrate shrub with evergreen leaves and red berries which first appear in late summer. It is used in many herbal smoking mixtures and has diuretic, antibacterial and astringent properties. Used to treat many conditions including kidney stones, bronchitis, and diarrhea. An attractive ground cover in suitable locations; it prefers poor acidic sandy soil. It's range is circumpolar - it's found in Greenland, Alaska, Canada. Further south it is found in the northern states as well as the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains.