Arctostaphylos glauca (Big Berry 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.