Arctostaphylos nevadensis aka Pinemat Manzanita

Arctostaphylos nevadensis, or pinemat manzanita, belongs to the heath family. This low evergreen shrub comes from the western United States. Its range runs from Washington south into California. Sources also place it in Oregon and Nevada. It grows in mountain habitats, often on rocky ground. Oregon State describes its range through the Cascades and Oregon’s Blue Mountains.

The shrub forms a low cushion of spreading branches. Some branches take root as they spread across the soil. Reported garden heights range from 0.3–1 foot [0.1–0.3 metres]. Plants reach about 3.3 feet [1 metre] across. The leaves stay green through the year. Each leaf has an oval outline and a sharp tip. Leaf edges are smooth, with no teeth. Both sides share a bright green colour. Their surfaces may look shiny or dull. These pointed leaves help distinguish it from bearberry.

Small white or pink flowers have an urn shape. They grow in short clusters above the low branches. Plants For A Future gives flowering as April to May. Bees pollinate the flowers, and the plant is self-fertile. The smooth fruit turns reddish brown rather than bright red. Each fruit has a rounded shape with flattened sides. People can eat the fruit fresh or dry it for storage. Ground fruit can also form the base of a drink. The small seeds have food uses, including grinding for soups.

Grow it in sun or light shade. Plants For A Future reports fewer fruits in shaded sites. It needs moist soil that drains well. Sandy soil and light or medium loam suit it. The soil should be acidic and free of lime. It can also cope with coastal exposure. Published hardiness guidance ranges from USDA zone 5 to zone 6. Plants For A Future lists zones 5–9. Oregon State notes that low-elevation gardens may make establishment difficult. Roots dislike disturbance, so choose its final site early.

Its low growth suits ground cover and sandy slopes. Oregon State recommends it for mountain gardens. The leaves yield a yellow-brown dye without a mordant. Sources record medicinal uses for diarrhoea and poison-oak skin exposure. These records do not establish treatment safety or effectiveness. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards. That does not confirm safety for every person or pet.