Arctostaphylos manzanita

Common Names

Common Manzanita, Manzanita, Whiteleaf Manzanita, Big Manzanita, Parry Manzanita

Summary

Common manzanita is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to California, with crooked branches, smooth mahogany bark, and glossy green leaves. It bears urn-shaped flowers in white to pinkish tones in winter to spring, followed by edible berries that wildlife feed on; the plant typically grows 6–20 ft tall and 6–20 ft wide and prefers full sun to partial shade in dry, well-drained soils.

For cultivation, it prefers very well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade, and drought tolerance after establishment; propagation occurs by seeds that germinate after fire and by semi-mature cuttings; it is used for erosion control on slopes and as a drought-tolerant landscape plant that supports wildlife with flowers and berries; spacing 5–15 ft apart and minimal pruning are recommended.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-25 feet

Spread

6-12 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8-10

Sunlight Requirements

Full Sun to Partial Sun.

Soil Type

Well-drained, dry soil; sandy loam or rocky; pH 4.0–7.3

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

4.0–7.0, acidic or slightly alkaline

Bloom Color

White to pink

Bloom Time

Winter to Spring

Foliage Color

Green; foliage ranges from very pale green to bluish gray and darker green, with evergreen leaves typically bright green to dark green.

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow-growing

Seasons of Interest

Winter and Spring

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, Birds, Other pollinators