Manzanita, Whiteleaf manzanita, Konocti manzanita, Contra Costa manzanita, Roof's manzanita, Wieslan

Arctostaphylos manzanita

Physical Characteristics

Arctostaphylos manzanita is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from February to April. 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 and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

South-western N. America - California.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[3, 46, 61]. An agreeable acid flavour but the fruit is dry and mealy[95]. Hard to digest, the fruit should be eaten in moderation[95]. It can be dried and ground into a powder[105, 161] and then used as a flavouring in soups, bread etc[213, 257]. A cooling drink can be made from the fruit[161]. The berries can be crushed to make a sweet, unfermented cider[257]. The fruit is white but becomes red-brown. These are 12 mm across [1-4].

Medicinal Uses

Appetizer Astringent Poultice Stomachic A poultice of the chewed leaves is applied to sores and headaches[257]. The leaves are chewed as a treatment for stomach ache and cramps[257]. An infusion of the leaves is used to treat severe colds and diarrhoea[257]. A cider made from the fruit is used in the treatment of stomach complaints and as an appetizer to create appetite[257].

Known Hazards

None known