Arctostaphylos columbiana aka Hairy Manzanita

Taxonomy

Arctostaphylos columbiana, also known as hairy manzanita, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 feet tall. It has an upright growth habit with hairy branches and smooth rust-colored bark. The leaves are oval-shaped, thick, and grow up to 7 centimeters long. They are initially fuzzy on both surfaces but become gray-green and glabrous as they mature. The small, pendulous flowers are pale pink and are borne in bunched inflorescences. The fruit is a red drupe about a centimeter in diameter. This rare houseplant requires regular watering and thrives in long-lasting direct light, less than one foot from a window. It prefers soil that is well-draining and does not require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size. This manzanita is native to the coast of western North America from northern California to southwestern British Columbia and grows in open, rocky areas. Hybrids with Arctostaphylos uva-ursi commonly occur where the two parent species grow in proximity.

Common names

Hairy Manzanita, Columbia Manzanita, Bristly Bearberry

How to care for Hairy Manzanita

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Hairy Manzanita, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Hairy Manzanita should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Hairy Manzanita loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Hairy Manzanita prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Hairy Manzanita is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Hairy Manzanita’s native range is Western N. America.


More info:
Wikipedia