Hairy Manzanita

(Arctostaphylos columbiana)

Hairy Manzanita (Arctostaphylos columbiana)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Arctostaphylos columbiana, commonly known as Hairy Manzanita, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the coastal regions of western North America, from southwestern British Columbia to northern California. It is typically found in open, rocky areas and dry, open woodlands, often on slopes and ridges. This manzanita can grow to a height of 1–5 meters and has a distinctive erect form with branches that are covered in fine hairs. The leaves are also hairy, adding to its textured appearance. The flowers are white to pale pink, urn-shaped, and bloom in the spring and winter, attracting pollinators such as bees. The fruit is a red drupe about a centimeter in diameter, which requires exposure to fire or consumption by animals for seed germination, a trait that reflects its adaptation to fire-prone habitats.

The Hairy Manzanita is valued for its ornamental qualities, including its attractive bark, which peels in thin sheets to reveal smooth, reddish underlayers. It is used in native plant gardens, rock gardens, and as a specimen plant. It is drought-tolerant, requiring low to very low amounts of water once established, and can thrive in a variety of soil types with different drainage levels, though it prefers well-drained soils. It is also appreciated for its low maintenance needs and its ability to stabilize slopes. Gardeners should be aware that it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered and may suffer from fungal diseases in humid climates.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
  • Height: 5-10 feet
  • Width: 3-6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: White, Pink
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low, Very Low
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden

Natural Habitat

native to the coastal regions of western North America, from southwestern British Columbia to northern California

Other Names

Common Names: Columbia Manzanita, Bristly Bearberry, Bristly Manzanita, Arctostaphyle De La Colombie-Britannique, Busserole Du Columbia

Scientific Names: , Arctostaphylos columbiana, Arctostaphylos setosissima, Arctostaphylos columbiana var. tracyi, Arctostaphylos columbiana var. columbiana, Arctostaphylos tracyi, Arctostaphylos clumbiana f. setosissima, Arctostaphylos columbiana f. setosissima, Arctostaphylos columbiana f. tracyi, Arctostaphylos columbiana subsp. columbiana,

GBIF Accepted Name: Arctostaphylos columbiana Piper