Arctostaphylos glauca (Bigberry Manzantia)

Photographs

My photos:

This photo is from Joshua Tree in March.

More photos:

click photo to enlarge

Plant Information

Ericaceae

In the garden:

This large erect shrub grows to 12 feet tall and may be either shrubby or arborescent. It has smooth, red-brown bark which sheds persistently. Its evergreen leaves are a dull green. During the dry season, it may lose most of it’s leaves; however, the colors of this shrub make it interesting year around. This plant grows best in a well drained soil and in full sun; it will appear feeble in heavy shade. It is slow growing. It is drought tolerant, requiring only occasional water, once established. Use as an accent plant or as a background. It blooms with white or pinkish flowers from December to March. During fruiting, it will attract birds. Propagate from seeds or cuttings. It is a good partner with Toyon or Chamise on a sunny hillside.

In the wild:

It is common on dry slopes, below 4500 feet.

Ethnobotany:

Field Trips
Anza Borrego Caspers Holy Jim Canyon Idyllwild
Joshua Tree Mt Palomar Rancho Santa Ana Torrey Pines

Index
Home