SafePlants

Bigberry Manzanita (Arctostaphylos glauca)

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has smooth red bark that readily peels.
• It produces dark purple brown berries.

Considerations for Children

• The plant has smooth red bark that readily peels.
• It produces dark purple brown berries.

Common Names

• Bigberry Manzanita
• Blue Manzanita

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Arctostaphylos glauca
• Family: Ericaceae (Heath family)
• Synonyms: Arctostaphylos glauca Lindl., Arctostaphylos glauca Lindley, Arctostaphylos glauca Lindley var. eremicola Jepson.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to California and Baja California.
• Common in chaparral environments.
• Found in southern coastal foothills, up to 4,500 feet in elevation.
• Northeast San Francisco Bay, Inner South Coast Range

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Evergreen shrub or small tree.
• Typically grows to 7-10 feet high and wide, sometimes reaching 12 feet. Can be lower and wider in some conditions.
• Has interesting twisting branches.
• Smooth red bark that readily peels.
• Large, blue-grey leaves that become almost blue-white in summer.
• Rosy pink flowers from April to May.
• Sclerophyllous (hard-leaved)
• Lacking a burl.

Ecological Role

• Evergreen providing food for wildlife through the seasons.

Use

• Manzanita berries were used to make a refreshing, cider-like drink by indigenous peoples.

Additional Resources

• CalPhotos
• Dave's Garden
• Discover Life