SafePlants

Arctostaphylos pringlei (Pringle Manzanita)

Arctostaphylos pringlei, commonly known as Pringle Manzanita, is a shrub or small tree prized for its ecological role and, in some instances, its use by indigenous populations.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Arctostaphylos pringlei Parry
• Common Names: Pringle Manzanita, Pinkbract Manzanita, Pringle's Manzanita, Pinkbracted Manzanita
• Family: Ericaceae (Heath)
• Subspecies:
  • Arctostaphylos pringlei subsp. pringlei
  • Arctostaphylos pringlei ssp. drupacea (Parry) P.V. Wells

Distribution and Habitat

• Arctostaphylos pringlei is found in southern California, Arizona, and potentially Mexico.
• It typically grows at elevations between 4,000 and 7,000 feet.
• Specific locations mentioned include the Mojave Desert, Hualapai Mountains (Mohave Co., AZ), Maple Springs TR to Santiago Peak, and Sonoma County, California.

Morphological Characteristics

• Arctostaphylos pringlei is described as an erect shrub or small tree, typically ranging from 1 to 5 meters in height.
• Young twigs are densely covered in short, glandular hairs.
• Leaves have a petiole length of 5-10 mm and a gray-glaucous, dull blade that can be elliptic, ovate, or orbiculate, and measures 2-5 mm.
• One source mentions it being easy to tell apart from pointleaf manzanita, as pointleaf has leathery, shiny leaves. Arctostaphylos pringlei stems are hairy and the leaves appear more pointy and narrow.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is a shrub or small tree.
• The text indicates that the new stems of the plant are hairy.

Considerations for Children

• This plant is a shrub or small tree.
• The text indicates that the new stems of the plant are hairy.

Ecological Role and Interactions

• Arctostaphylos pringlei flowers in late winter, providing a valuable resource when few other plants are in bloom.
• Planned burns have been used to observe seedling establishment in dense communities of this species.
• Litter accumulation under Arctostaphylos pringlei shrubs can retain a significant amount of water.

Traditional Uses

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

Quirky Facts

• The largest known Arctostaphylos pringlei was recognized as an American Forests Champion Tree in 2011, highlighting its impressive size.

Further Information

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• Discover Life
• Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West