Greenleaf Manzanita

Arctostaphylos patula

Basic Information

Family: Ericaceae

Genus: arctostaphylos

Plant ID (slug): arctostaphylos-patula

Numeric ID: 22585

USDA Hardiness: 5-9

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Arctostaphylos patula is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from March to May, and the seeds ripen from August to October. 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 moist soil.

Distribution

South-western N. America.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Seed Edible Uses: Fruits are edible but often disappointing. They are usually reddish-brown drupes with thin, sweet but astringent pulp around very hard nutlets (4–8 per fruit). The fruits can be eaten fresh, dried, or ground into meal, but overly astringent ones are best avoided. Unripe fruits resemble small apples and are tart or bland. Flowers are edible but bitter-sweet and better steeped into tea than eaten raw [2-3]. Fruits can be dried and ground into flour for porridges or drinks. They were used by Native peoples in fermented cider-like beverages.Fruit - raw or cooked[3, 94, 105, 161]. The fully ripe fruit is pleasantly acid with a flavour resembling green apples[183]. It can be dried, ground into a powder then used in making cakes etc[257]. The fruit can also be used for making jelly and cider[183]. The fruit is about 8 - 10mm in diameter[200]. Seed - ground into a powder and added to soups etc[92]. The seed is very small and would be difficult to separate from the fruit. It would be easier to dry the whole fruit, grind this into a powder and use it in soups etc[K].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Poultice VD The leaves are astringent[94]. They have been used in the treatment of VD[257]. They are also used as a poultice on burns, cuts etc[257].