Arctostaphylos glauca aka Bigberry Manzanita

Arctostaphylos glauca is an evergreen shrub or small tree. Its common names include big-berry and great-berried manzanita. It belongs to the heath family, Ericaceae. Its native range covers California and northern Baja California in Mexico. It grows on dry slopes below 4,920 feet [1,500 metres]. In gardens, it suits sunny woodland edges and gravel beds.

The plant forms a rounded crown with several crooked main stems. Garden height and spread range from 13–26 feet [4–8 metres]. Virginia Tech gives a height of 25 feet [7.6 metres]. RHS lists five to ten years to reach mature size. Young twigs are smooth and green. Young bark ranges from yellow to reddish brown. Older bark develops red patches that peel away. The smooth bark adds interest throughout the year.

The leaves are oval, leathery, and blue-green on both sides. They grow alternately along the stems and often stand upright. Their edges are smooth, without teeth. Small, urn-shaped flowers form clusters at the stem tips. Their colour ranges from white to pale pink. Virginia Tech places flowering in late winter and early spring. RHS gives a broader season from spring into summer. Round, sticky brown fruit ripens in late summer. Each apple-like drupe holds little flesh around several fused nutlets.

Grow this plant in full sun or partial shade. RHS recommends moderately fertile soil that drains well but holds some moisture. Acid or neutral soil suits it; avoid lime-rich ground. RHS lists clay, loam, and sand as suitable soil types. Shelter the plant from cold, drying winds. It withstands drought and suits gardens with a Mediterranean climate. RHS rates it H3 for mild UK sites. PFAF lists USDA zones 7–10. Pests seldom cause trouble, though leaf spot may occur.

Sources differ on whether people should eat the fruit. PFAF records raw or cooked fruit, preserves, and fruit drinks. RHS warns against people or pets eating the fruit. Do not treat the recorded food uses as proof of safety. PFAF also records medicinal use of the leaves, with a caution. Their arbutin can break down into toxic hydroquinone. Other recorded uses include leaf dye and brooms made from branches. The hard wood has served as fuel and small tool handles.