Arctostaphylos glauca (Big Berry Manzanita)
Big Berry Manzanita, Bigberry Manzanita, Blue Manzanita
Arctostaphylos glauca (Big Berry Manzanita) is a large shrub or small tree adorned with striking dark reddish-brown bark and sinuous branches clothed with blue-green, oval to rounded, evergreen leaves, 2 in. long (5 cm). Pretty clusters of lantern-shaped, white-to-pink flowers hang gracefully from short red stems in late winter to early spring. Attractive to bees, hummingbirds and butterflies, they last several weeks and are followed by a profusion of edible berries which ripen to bright red. These berries are the largest of any Manzanita, up to a half-inch in diameter (1 cm), hence the common name. They were used to make a refreshing, cider-like drink by indigenous peoples. Slow to rot, the glistening fruits provide excellent food for birds and mammals. Long-lived (100 years or more), Big Berry Manzanita does not begin to fruit until it is 20 years old. Providing year-round interest, this is a picturesque and architectural addition to water-wise and xeriscape gardens.
- Grows up to 15-20 ft. tall and wide (450-600 cm). Adds up to 12-24 in. per year (30-60 cm).
- A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in acidic, sharply drained soils. Once established it will want little or no irrigation in the summer. Drought tolerant.
- Perfect for rocky slopes or hedges.
- Prune manzanitas only in the dry summer months.
- Propagate by seed or by layering.
- Native to California and Baja California. A chaparral species, commonly found on rocky slopes on southern coastal foothills.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 10 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Arctostaphylos - Manzanitas |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 15' – 20' (4.5m – 6m) |
Spread | 15' – 20' (4.5m – 6m) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | United States, California |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Hedges and Screens |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
Marshal Hedin, Laura Camp (Flickr), Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 10 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Arctostaphylos - Manzanitas |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 15' – 20' (4.5m – 6m) |
Spread | 15' – 20' (4.5m – 6m) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | United States, California |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Hedges and Screens |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |