Greenleaf Manzanita

(Arctostaphylos patula)

Greenleaf Manzanita (Arctostaphylos patula)

Walter Siegmund

CC BY 2.5

Image By: Walter Siegmund

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Arctostaphylos patula, commonly known as Greenleaf Manzanita, is an evergreen shrub native to the chaparral and coniferous forests of western North America, particularly in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges, as well as the coastal ranges. It thrives at moderate to high elevations, often on dry, rocky slopes and in open woodlands. This species typically reaches 1 to 2 meters in height and has a sprawling habit, with some branches rooting in the soil to provide stability on slopes. The bark is smooth and reddish-brown, peeling in thin sheets. Greenleaf Manzanita is notable for its dense foliage of bright green, oval leaves and its showy clusters of white to pink urn-shaped flowers, which bloom from late winter to early spring. The fruits are dark brown drupes that are attractive to wildlife.

Greenleaf Manzanita is valued for its drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping and native plant gardens. It is also used for erosion control on slopes due to its rooting branches. In cultivation, it requires minimal maintenance once established, preferring full sun and well-drained soils. It is adaptable to various soil types, including those with poor fertility. While it is generally pest and disease-free, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. Greenleaf Manzanita does not transplant well due to its sensitive root system, so it is best to plant it from containers or from seed in its permanent location.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrub
Height: 3-9 feet
Width: 3-12 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: 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, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to chaparral, coniferous forests, and open woodlands of western North America, particularly in the Sierra Nevada, Cascade ranges, and coastal ranges

Other Names

Common Names: Green-Leaf Manzanita

Scientific Names: , Arctostaphylos patula, Arctostaphylos obtusifolia, Arctostaphylos pungens var. platyphylla, Arctostaphylos patula var. incarnata, Uva-ursi obtusifolia,

GBIF Accepted Name: Arctostaphylos patula Greene