Bigberry Manzanita

Arctostaphylos glauca

Physical Characteristics

Arctostaphylos glauca is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft 1in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

South-western N. America - S. California.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Drink Fruit - raw or cooked[3]. The fruit is used fresh or it can be dried and ground into a powder then used to make mush or added to soups etc[105, 161, 183, 257]. It can also be used to make preserves or a beverage that resembles cider in flavour[183]. A drink is made from the berries by sprinkling them with water, kneading them with the hands, mashing them and then soaking them in the sun for about 12 hours. The liquid is then sieved to remove the pulp before being drunk on its own or with Chia (see Salvia columbiana). Water could be drained through the pulp a second time. The liquid was said to be sweet and fattening[257]. The fruit is dry and with little flavour[2]. The seeds can be dried, ground into a powder and used to make a mush or cakes[257]. The seed is rather small, it would most probably have been used together with the fruit and not have been separated from it[K].

Medicinal Uses

Antiseptic Astringent Diuretic Skin Urinary The dried leaves are used in the treatment of a variety of complaints[4]. These leaves should be harvested in early autumn, only green leaves being selected, and then dried in gentle heat[4]. A tea made from the dried leaves is strongly astringent, diuretic and an antiseptic for the urinary tract[4, 222]. It is much used for kidney and bladder complaints and inflammation of the urinary tract, but it should be used with caution[4, 21, 46, 172] because it contains arbutin which hydrolyzes into the toxic urinary antiseptic hydroquinone[222]. Externally, an infusion is used to treat poison oak rash[257].

Known Hazards

None known