Pointleaf Manzanita, Manzanita (Arctostaphylos pungens)

Pointleaf Manzanita, Manzanita
Scientific Name: Arctostaphylos pungens A.Gray
Family: Ericaceae

Show Larger Picture Recommended Temperature Zone:
sunset: 1-12
USDA: 5-10

Sun Exposure: Full sun
Origin: Hillsides in the Chihuahuan desert: USA (Texas to Utah and California), Mexico from the US border, down to Oaxaca, 4000 to 8000 feet (1200 to 2400 m)
Growth Habits: Evergreen shrub, 5 to 7 feet tall and wide (1.5-2.1 m); dark green to gray leathery leaves, up to 1.6 inches long (4 cm)
Watering Needs: Little water, mostly in summer, tolerates alkaline soils
Propagation: Seeds (need some boiling water treatment), layering in the spring, hardwood cuttings in winter

The manzanitas have a very characteristic smooth red bark. The edible fruits are eaten by many birds and wildlife.

Blooming Habits:
Waxy, pinkish white, nodding, urn-shaped flowers, 0.24 inch long (6 mm), in clusters at the tips of the branches in the spring.

Fruiting Habits:
Edible fruit, looking like tiny apples, ('manzanita' means 'small apple' in spanish), 0.24 inch in diameter (6 mm), in summer.

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