Where is Arctostaphylos spp. native to?

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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Arctostaphylos spp.

manzanita

Ericaceae

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Drought Tolerant

Container Friendly

Native to North America

Maintenancevery low

Overview

Arctostaphylos species are exceptional evergreen shrubs that bring authentic Pacific Coast character and remarkable environmental adaptability to regional landscapes. This diverse genus, commonly known as manzanita, encompasses more than fifty species from British Columbia to Baja California, offering forms ranging from prostrate groundcovers to sculptural small trees with distinctive sinuous branching and exquisite mahogany-red bark. No other shrub is more symbolic of the Pacific Coast than manzanita, comprising more than fifty species and dozens of cultivars that are one of the most distinctive shrubs of the far West. In Pacific Northwest gardens, these architectural plants combine picturesque bark, early-season urn-shaped flowers in white to pink tones, and small apple-like fruits that provide valuable wildlife habitat while requiring minimal maintenance once established. What they offer to gardeners in the Pacific Northwest is another component in the movement towards low-maintenance and low-water gardens. Their remarkable drought tolerance and preference for well-drained, acidic soils make them ideally adapted to the region's Mediterranean climate pattern of wet winters and dry summers, while their sculptural form and polished bark create year-round architectural interest that rivals the beloved native madrone in both beauty and regional authenticity.

Native Range

PNW native

How to Identify

Arctostaphylos species are easily identified by their distinctive smooth, red to mahogany-colored bark and stiff, twisting branches that often have a sculptural appearance. The plants have alternate, simple, evergreen leaves that are typically broadly ovate to oval, 2-5 cm long, with entire margins and a bright green, waxy surface, and produce small, urn-shaped white to pink flowers in dense clusters.

Appearance

Colors

Flower Colors

white

pink

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

Soil Types

sand

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Pruning

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing