SafePlants

Arctostaphylos manzanita and Arctostaphylos viscida: The Manzanitas

This page explores two prominent species of manzanita: Arctostaphylos manzanita and Arctostaphylos viscida, often sharing the common name "Whiteleaf Manzanita." Both are evergreen shrubs or small trees native to specific regions of North America.

Common Names

• Arctostaphylos manzanita: Common Manzanita, Whiteleaf Manzanita
• Arctostaphylos viscida: Whiteleaf Manzanita, Sticky Manzanita

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Arctostaphylos
• Family: Ericaceae (Heath family)
• Order: Ericales
• Class: Magnoliopsida (Magnoliopsida)
• Division: Magnoliophyta (flowering plants)
• Synonyms for Arctostaphylos manzanita: Arctostaphylos viscida
• Subspecies: Arctostaphylos manzanita ssp. manzanita, Arctostaphylos manzanita ssp. laevigata

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that Arctostaphylos viscida is also referred to as "Sticky Manzanita," suggesting the presence of a potentially adhesive substance.
• The plant is described as a shrub with long, crooked branches.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that Arctostaphylos viscida is also referred to as "Sticky Manzanita," suggesting the presence of a potentially adhesive substance.
• The plant is described as a shrub with long, crooked branches.

Distribution and Habitat

• Arctostaphylos manzanita ssp. manzanita: Native to Northern, Southern, and Central California.
• Arctostaphylos viscida: Grows from Kern County north to about the Oregon Border. Commonly found on mountain slopes, serpentine barrens, and roadsides, thriving in chaparral, oak woodlands, and mixed-conifer forests.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Both species are evergreen shrubs.
• Arctostaphylos manzanita: Grows to 2 meters (6 ft) in height and width. It is in leaf by January 12th and flowers from February to April.
• Arctostaphylos viscida: A treelike shrub reaching an unspecified height. Characterized by smooth, dark red-brown bark and hairless stems with pale green, white-coated young twigs. Leaf: Alternate, simple, persistent. Small (1 to 1).

Ecological Role

• Arctostaphylos viscida can be considered an obstacle to afforestation due to its competitive interactions with Douglas-fir, herbs, and other plants.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Arctostaphylos viscida exhibits competitive interactions with Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine, and various herbs.
• It is noted that Arctostaphylos manzanita commonly hybridizes.