Arctostaphylos spp. (Manzanita)

Photographs

My photos:

These two photos were taken at Idyllwild County Park, in March.

More photos:

click photo to enlarge

Plant Information

Ericaceae

In the garden:

Manzanitas are popular for their shiny red or mahogany colored bark. Manzanitas have urn shaped flowers that very from pink to white and are popular with hummingbirds. They are vary drought tolerant and evergreen, always looking green and healthy even in the hottest, driest part of the summer. Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp) is of the family Ericaceae. Plants in this family are highly mycorrhizal (a symbiotic fungal association). This allows them to survive in many harsh environments however it also makes them very susceptible to over watering and fertilizing. They really do no like to be watered or fertilized. If grown correctly these plants, especially the larger forms, will grow for more than 100 years. Manzanitas are great wildlife plants. Providing nectar for butterflies, hummingbirds and native insects (they're cool!). Propagate from seeds or cuttings. It is a good partner with Toyon on a sunny hillside.

In the wild:

There are more than forty species of Arctostaphylos in California. Species grow from two inches (some of the coastal species) to twenty feet (many interior species).

Ethnobotany:

Native people use an infusion of leaves for diarrhea and for poison oak rash. The fruits were mashed to make a drink, or eaten fresh, or dried for later use. The branches were used for building. The wood was used to make tools. The leaves were mixed with tobacco for smoking.

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

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