Family
Ericaceae
Botanical Name
ARCTOSTAPHYLOS nevadensis
Plant Common Name
Pinemat Manzanita
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Within its range, this cold hardy carpet-like manzanita provides a valuable wild groundcover in areas challenged by lean acid soils and long periods without rain. It is found beneath the evergreen forests from Washington state to California where it can be the dominant vegetation. Depending on elevation these plants may become semi or wholly deciduous in winter. This mountain dweller is slow growing, bearing oval green leaves that gradually weaves itself through rocky outcroppings or spreads out in areas of open, well drained soils.
This hallmark of California is one of the most drought resistant shrubs of the West. Since no rain may fall from spring to late fall within its range, these shrubs are incredibly tolerant of dry conditions and will not abide supplemental watering. Their preference for higher elevations indicates it’s best reserved for homes in mountain communities.
Manzanita wood is exceptionally dense and oily, making it one of the most flammable fuels in the wildland. It is very slow growing and sheathed in a brick red skin that peels off periodically. This red bark and twisted branches are coveted by artisans. In early spring manzanitas burst into bloom with hundreds of clusters of small, bell shaped pink flowers. These mature into pea sized red fruits that led the Spanish to dub it “little-apple” or manza-nita. Fruit is mealy and astringent when mature, offering vital food for foxes and birds. The seed readily sprouts. These shrubs are not often seen in garden centers because they are difficult to cultivate. When you do find them, buy only very small specimens in exceptionally deep pots, but even then they may never take on the extreme drought resistance of their wild siblings.
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Pink
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Fruit Color
Dark Red
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
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Bark Color
Dark Red
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
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Showy Bark
Yes
