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Bigberry Manzanita
Arctostaphylos glauca
Out of stock
1 gallon
Plant Care
Native region:
Mojave Desert
Water needs:
Moderate
Exposure:
Mature size:
Growth rate:
Partial Shade
3'x6'
Slow-Moderate
Flower color:
Flower season:
Pruning:
white; pink
Winter-Spring
to shape
Wildlife
Monarchs:
No
Nectar pollinators:
Yes
Nighttime pollinators:
No
Rabbit resistant:
Yes
The Bigberry manzanita is native to the coastal and inland foothills of California from the Bay Area to Mexico. It is one of the largest of our native manzanitas and commonly grows into a distinctive evergreen shrub with interesting twisting branches and smooth red bark that readily peels and pale gray-green foliage color. Clusters of urn shaped white to pink flowers bloom from late winter to early spring attracting bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. They last several weeks and are followed by a profusion of edible red berries. They are the largest of the manzanita berries, up to a half inch in diameter, hence the name. It is a long-lived species, reaching 100 years of age or more, and it does not begin to fruit until it is around 20 years old.
This is the manzanita that grows in our local foothills and mountains. It can grow into a 20' tall tree, but it will stay more shrub size in the transition area between the low and high deserts. In its native habitat, it is one of the easier manzanitas to grow but can be difficult to grow in the low desert. Low desert growers should plant on the north side of your home or in partial shade. This plant will not tolerate our heat well, especially full summer sun.
Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information
The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!
Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.
Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.