Arctostaphylos
( ark - toh - STAFF - il - os )
At-A-Glance Information
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Commonly known as Manzanita or Bearberry, this genus of shrubby trees includes species that will attract birds and other wildlife to the garden. These plants are native to western North America, and can take many shapes, from creeping groundcovers to tree-like taller shrubs. All varieties produce flowers in the late winter or early spring. These plants are prized for their beautiful branch patterns and smooth red to purple colored bark. Their leaves are held perpendicular to the sun, an adaptation acquired by the plant in its evolution to avoid moisture loss. Another environmental adaptation that Manzanita has acquired over its history is its ability to bounce back after wildfires. On many Manzanita plants, there is a burl at or around ground-level from which the plant will regrow if it is burned to the ground. Use these drought-tolerant ornamentals in mixed beds and borders, or as specimens or focal points in the landscape.
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Arctostaphylos Species and Varietals
Arctostaphylos is member of the Ericaceae or Heather plant family and includes around 60 species. The best growing zones for Manzanita depends on the species and variety; for more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Arctostaphylos andersonii (Santa Cruz Manzanita, Heartleaf Manzanita, Anderson's Manzanita) This endangered species is native to the Santa Cruz Mountains in California, typically in mixed redwood forest habitats. Individual plants reach up to between 6.5 and 17 feet tall when mature, and form either shrubs or small trees. Leaves have serrated edges and are green. Flowers are pink and present on plants from February through May. This species has no basal burl and must be propagated by seed after fire. Best in USDA hardiness zones 8-11. |
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Arctostaphylos ariculata (Mount Diablo Manzanita) This endangered species is endemic to the area surrounding Mount Diablo in Contra Costa County, California. It forms a woody shrub with silvery-green foliage. No basal burl; must be propagated by seed. To between 3 and 15 feet tall when mature. This species does well in USDA hardiness zones 7b and above, and can handle temperatures down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Cultivars include 'Diablo's Blush' (pictured; with grey foliage and pink flowers) and 'Knobcone Point' (with blue-grey foliage and pink to white flowers). |
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Arctostaphylos bakeri (Baker's Manzanita) This species is found in USDA hardiness zones 8-10 and Sunset growing zones 4-9 and 14-17. Native to the Sonoma area in California, this is an upright, elegant shrub growing to 5-8 feet tall and wide. Bark is dark mahogany, leaves are small and grey-green. Flowers are showy and pink, and bright red berries follow blooms. Can tolerate heat and drought, but can take light regular irrigation. A popular ornamental cultivar is 'Louis Edmunds' (with an upright habit and dark purple bark). |
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Arctostaphylos columbiana (Hairy Manzanita, Columbia Manzanita) This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 7-10 or Sunset growing zones 4-6 and 15-17. It is native to California's low coastal mountain ranges up through British Columbia. Individual plants reach up to 10 feet tall and wide with reddish-brown bark and grey-green leaves; they have a tree-like habit. Flowers are white, and berries are red-brown. Cultivars of this species include 'Oregon Hybrid' (to 3 ft. tall and 5-7 ft. wide), 'Blue Point' (with blue-grey foliage and white flowers), 'Mountain Blue' (good cold-hardiness), and 'Vancouver Jade' (prostrate form with jade-green leaves). |
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Arctostaphylos densiflora (Vine Hill Manzanita, Sonoma Manzanita, Vinehill Manzanita) This endangered species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7-10 and Sunset growing zones 7-9 and 14-21. This variety is also native to Sonoma, California and is generally a low, spreading shrub. Outer branches will root when they hit soil. Main stems are slender and crooked with smooth, reddish-black bark. Leaves are small and glossy, flowers are pale pink. This species is rarely sold in nurseries. Vine Hill Manzanita varieties include 'Howard McMinn' (5-8 feet tall mound-like plant with white flowers), 'Harmony' (4 feet tall, 6 feet wide with a profuse showing of pink flowers), and 'Sentinel' (downy, light-green leaves and pale pink flowers; a good choice for warmer, inland gardens grows to 6-8 feet tall and 4-10 feet wide). |
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Arctostaphylos edmunsii (Little Sur Manzanita, Carmel Sur Manzanita ) Grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8-10 and Sunset growing zones 6-9 and 14-24. This low-growing species hails from the Monterey Bay in California. This species includes some notable cultivars, including groundcovers. 'Carmel sur' grows quickly to 1-1.5 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide with grey-green foliage with rarely seen soft-pink flowers. 'Greensphere' is a hybrid ideal for containers that grows slowly to form a dense 4 foot sphere with dark green leaves and a long blooming period. 'Little Sur' is another groundcover variety (10 inches high, 5 feet wide) with pointed leaves edged with red and soft pink flowers. Finally, 'Bert Johnson' grows to 1-3 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide and can handle a wide variety of garden conditions. Leaves are shiny and dark green in color, bronze when new. Flowers bloom in late winter to early spring in pale pink. |
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Arctostaphylos glauca (Bigberry Manzanita, Blue Manzanita, Bigberry) Native to Baja California, this spreading shrub reaches 15 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Bark is dark reddish-brown and clustered flowers are pink to white. Leaves are blue-grey in color. This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 7-10 and Sunset growing zones 4-9 and 14-24. |
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Arctostaphylos hookeri (Monterey Manzanita, Hooker's Manzanita, Franciscan Manzanita) This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8-10 and Sunset growing zones 6-9 and 14-24. Native to Monterey, California, these slow growers reach 1.5-4 feet tall and to over 6 feet wide. Leaves are small and glossy green and flowers are white to pink. Bright red berries appear after flowering and bark is reddish brown. Great for hillside plantings. Varieties include 'Monterey Carpet' (to 1 foot high and 12 feet wide) 'Wayside' (to 4 feet tall and 8 feet wide), and 'Buxifolia' (with boxwood-like foliage). |
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Arctostaphylos insularis (Island Manzanita, Santa Cruz Manzanita, Canyon Sparkles) Native to the Channel Islands off the California Coast, this large shrub grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8b-10b or Sunset growing zones 16-24, and can reach up to 10-12 feet tall and a little less wide. Leaves are bright green and flowers appear in large, drooping clusters in mid-winter. 'Canyon Sparkles' is a smaller varietal of this species, reaching 4 feet tall and 6 feet wide. |
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Arctostaphylos manzanita (Common Manzanita, Whiteleaf Manzanita, Parry Manzanita, Konocti Manzanita)
This species is native to the inner coast ranges and Sierra Nevada foothills in California, and grows best in USDA hardiness zones 7-10 or Sunset growing zones 4-9 and 14-24. When grown in gardens, it can reach 10-12 feet high and wide. Bark is purplish red on crooked, twisting branches. Leaf color varies depending on the variety. Can be an excellent garden focal point or even used as a screening plant. Flowers are profuse and range between white and pink, dropping away to show berries that start white and turn a deep red over time. Cultivars are listed and described below:
This species is native to the inner coast ranges and Sierra Nevada foothills in California, and grows best in USDA hardiness zones 7-10 or Sunset growing zones 4-9 and 14-24. When grown in gardens, it can reach 10-12 feet high and wide. Bark is purplish red on crooked, twisting branches. Leaf color varies depending on the variety. Can be an excellent garden focal point or even used as a screening plant. Flowers are profuse and range between white and pink, dropping away to show berries that start white and turn a deep red over time. Cultivars are listed and described below:
'Dr. Hurd'
An upright, treelike variety with mahogany bark, large light-green leaves and white winter flowers. |
'St. Helena'
This varietal has grey-green leaves and a spreading habit. |
'Hood Mountain'
Similar to St. Helena, but with bright purple bark and narrow, grey leaves. |
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Arctostaphylos nummularia (Fort Bragg Manzanita, Glossyleaf Manzanita, Dwarf Manzanita) This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9-10 and Sunset growing zones 14-24. These shrubs have dense foliage and are nearly dome-shaped and low-growing (not usually more than 2.5 feet high). Bright green leaves contrast well against tiny white flowers. This species is considered difficult to grow outside of its natural habitat in coastal California forests. It needs good drainage and acidic soil as well as partial shade in hotter climates. 'Small Change' is a smaller varietal of this bush with tiny, narrow dark green leaves. |
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Arctostaphylos pajaroensis (Pajaro Manzanita) This variety is native to Monterey Bay, California and grows 3-8 feet tall and 10-12 feet wide. New growth is bronzy and matures to a bluish-green color and flowers bloom for a long while white to pink. This species is best in USDA hardiness zones 8-10 and Sunset growing zones 14-24. 'Paradise' (pictured) is pink-flowered with bronze foliage, and 'Warren Roberts' is similar but with a more upright habit and bluer leaves (dark bronze when new). |
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Arctostaphylos pumila (Dune Manzanita) This species grows to be 1 to 2.5 feet tall, and spreads to about six feet wide. It grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9-10 or Sunset growing zones 16, 17. These plants are blanketed in velvety greyish leaves and produce short, dense clusters of white to pink flowers. |
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Kinnikinnik, Bearberry)
Grows in USDA hardiness zones 2-7 or Sunset growing zones A1-A3, 1-9 and 14-24. This is a popular groundcover species that roots as it spreads, eventually reaching up to 15 feet wide. Leaves are small, glossy, and bright green, turning a beautiful red to purple color in winter. Flowers are white or pink followed by red fruits. Cultivars are listed and described below:
Grows in USDA hardiness zones 2-7 or Sunset growing zones A1-A3, 1-9 and 14-24. This is a popular groundcover species that roots as it spreads, eventually reaching up to 15 feet wide. Leaves are small, glossy, and bright green, turning a beautiful red to purple color in winter. Flowers are white or pink followed by red fruits. Cultivars are listed and described below:
'Green Supreme'
Compact with green foliage and small pink flowers. Good for weed suppression. |
'Massachusetts'
Small leaves, abundant pink-white flowers and fruit. Disease-resistant. |
'Point Reyes'
Dark green leaves and tolerant of heat. |
'Radiant'
Leaves are bright green, and fruits heavily. |
'Vancouver Jade'
Flat growing, with jade-green colored leaves that turn a bronzy-red in wintertime. |
'Woods Red'
Compact grower (1 foot tall and 8 feet wide). Leaves are leathery, small and dark green and turn red in cold weather. |
caring for Arctostaphylos
Manzanitas are low-maintenance plants, needing very little attention in gardens. They are typically purchased as specimens from a reputable nursery. Choose a place where you will not have to do hard-pruning to keep the plant compact; these trees need space for their mature size, and appreciate air flow around their base. Plant your Manzanita in a space in the landscape that receives full sun; ideally, they appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day for the best blooms and overall growth rate. There are some species (those that grow within forested environments) that can take a bit more shade. When these plants are grown in too little light, however, they will not flower as profusely and grow very slowly, becoming leggy over time. Check the specific exposure requirements before choosing a planting site. Ensure that soil is well-draining and has a pH of between 4.0 and 7.0 (acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing.
For the first year while the shrub or tree matures it will need weekly to bi-weekly water. After this period, limit watering to about once a month or less. These trees can take drought when mature and established in the landscape, and do not enjoy wet soil conditions. There is no need to fertilize your Manzanita; in fact Manzanita shrubs and trees do not enjoy rich soil. These trees and shrubs do not need much pruning, just occasional pinching of branch tips to create a bushier, shrubbier habit if desired. To shape a Manzanita into a small tree, lower branches should be removed to reveal the beautiful, twisting trunk. When doing a hard pruning like this, make sure to cut back to the collar of the branch on the main trunk or stem, and do it during the summertime when cuts will dry and heal quickly. Fresh cuts are easily infected by rain or overhead irrigation. Arctostaphylos trees and shrubs are long-lived in the landscape, lasting for between 25 and 50 years in most cases. Some can live for a century or more, however, if cared for correctly.
Growing Arctostaphylos in Containers
Manzanitas are usually grown in-ground, but can also be treated as a container tree on a patio or next to an entryway. They require very fast drainage, starting with a pot with adequate drainage holes on the bottom. The chosen container should be a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Fill the container with a mix of potting soil, pumice, and crushed lava rock. Water sparingly; these drought-tolerant shrubs and trees do not like to have wet feet at any time. Every few years, check to see if roots are growing through the bottom of the container. This is a good indication that repotting will need to happen soon. At repotting time, make sure to trim roots to encourage new, vigorous growth. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage during the growing season. Discontinue prunings in mid-summer to make sure that wounds have time to heal before the wet season.
Harvesting Arctostaphylos
Arctostaphylos plants produce edible berries that taste sweet with a powdery and dry texture when ripe. They are commonly added to drinks and ciders, baked into muffins or cakes, or simply ground into a flour-like product known as 'Manzanita Sugar'. The species that are most commonly harvested for their berries include Arctostaphylos glauca (Bigberry Manzanita), Arctostaphylos patula (Greenleaf Manzanita), Arctostaphylos columbiana (Hairy Manzanita), and Arctostaphylos viscida (Whiteleaf Manzanita). Fruits on endangered species should never be foraged; leave them on or around their parent plants so that their populations can be reinvigorated. Berries are typically ripe in June through October, though this depends on the species and the climate the plant is grown in. Pick berries when they attain their full color and have some give when squeezed. They are typically mascerated and have their seeds removed before use.
Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.
For the first year while the shrub or tree matures it will need weekly to bi-weekly water. After this period, limit watering to about once a month or less. These trees can take drought when mature and established in the landscape, and do not enjoy wet soil conditions. There is no need to fertilize your Manzanita; in fact Manzanita shrubs and trees do not enjoy rich soil. These trees and shrubs do not need much pruning, just occasional pinching of branch tips to create a bushier, shrubbier habit if desired. To shape a Manzanita into a small tree, lower branches should be removed to reveal the beautiful, twisting trunk. When doing a hard pruning like this, make sure to cut back to the collar of the branch on the main trunk or stem, and do it during the summertime when cuts will dry and heal quickly. Fresh cuts are easily infected by rain or overhead irrigation. Arctostaphylos trees and shrubs are long-lived in the landscape, lasting for between 25 and 50 years in most cases. Some can live for a century or more, however, if cared for correctly.
Growing Arctostaphylos in Containers
Manzanitas are usually grown in-ground, but can also be treated as a container tree on a patio or next to an entryway. They require very fast drainage, starting with a pot with adequate drainage holes on the bottom. The chosen container should be a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Fill the container with a mix of potting soil, pumice, and crushed lava rock. Water sparingly; these drought-tolerant shrubs and trees do not like to have wet feet at any time. Every few years, check to see if roots are growing through the bottom of the container. This is a good indication that repotting will need to happen soon. At repotting time, make sure to trim roots to encourage new, vigorous growth. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage during the growing season. Discontinue prunings in mid-summer to make sure that wounds have time to heal before the wet season.
Harvesting Arctostaphylos
Arctostaphylos plants produce edible berries that taste sweet with a powdery and dry texture when ripe. They are commonly added to drinks and ciders, baked into muffins or cakes, or simply ground into a flour-like product known as 'Manzanita Sugar'. The species that are most commonly harvested for their berries include Arctostaphylos glauca (Bigberry Manzanita), Arctostaphylos patula (Greenleaf Manzanita), Arctostaphylos columbiana (Hairy Manzanita), and Arctostaphylos viscida (Whiteleaf Manzanita). Fruits on endangered species should never be foraged; leave them on or around their parent plants so that their populations can be reinvigorated. Berries are typically ripe in June through October, though this depends on the species and the climate the plant is grown in. Pick berries when they attain their full color and have some give when squeezed. They are typically mascerated and have their seeds removed before use.
Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.
Propagation
Manzanitas are most easily propagated from cuttings, though they can also be propagated from seed. Some species will root easier than others. The easiest species of Manzanita to propagate from cutting are A. densiflora, A. edmundsii, A. hookeri, and A. uva-ursi. To get an exact clone of the parent tree, you will want to propagate from a cutting. To do so, you will need a clean, sanitized pair of shears, a pot that is at least four inches deep (or a flat, your choice) filled with a mixture of half sand and half peat, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a plastic bag. Follow the directions below after you have gathered your supplies.
- Between the months of March and May, take a softwood cutting of the current season's growth that includes an inch or two of hard wood at the base. The entire cutting should be about 4 inches in length. Remove leaves from the lower half of the cutting.
- Prepare your pot by watering the half peat, half sand mixture and ensure good drainage is occurring. Make a hole (or more than one hole if you have more than one cutting to propagate) with a pencil. Dip your cutting(s) in rooting hormone, and then place it into your hole(s). Gently fill in potting mixture around the base of the cutting if it is not standing on its own, but do not pack down the planting medium.
- Keep your cuttings covered, either with a cover for your flat or with a plastic bag secured around the top of the pot. Do not let the soil dry out. Keep your cutting(s) in an area with bright light but out of direct sun. In four to eight weeks, cuttings should be rooted. Continue watering them until the fall, when they can be transplanted into larger pots. Manzanitas generally do not transplant well, as their roots do not like to be disturbed, so ensure that your propagated plant has grown to a healthy size, and then it can be planted in the yard in late fall or early winter.
Problems and pests
Arctostaphylos, or Manzanita, shrubs and trees are susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape:
- Aphids
- Scale Insects
- Whiteflies
- Psyllids
- Mealybugs
- Borers
- Caterpillars
- Bacterial Leaf Spot
- Canker
- Crown and Root Rots
- Leaf Spot
- Rust
- Sudden Oak Death (SOD)
Gallery
Manzanita trees are beautiful additions to native gardens, and do well in mixed plantings along pathways or poolside.
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Manzanita berries are edible; they can be made into sugar, syrups, cider, and baked into breads and muffins.
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Manzanita flowers are very similar to those of the Strawberry Tree, or Madrone.
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Manzanita plants are fantastic for local pollinators.
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Manzanita trees are survivors - they do well in drought conditions, and their roots can find homes even in rocky terrain.
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Manzanita trees in the hills of Los Gatos, California.
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videos
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All about the Manzanita tree
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An overview of the groundcover 'Emerald Carpet'
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Manzanita as a native plant in the garden
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 164-166 Arctostaphylos
