Arctostaphylos tomentosa aka Woollyleaf Manzanita

Arctostaphylos tomentosa is an evergreen shrub in the heath family. Common names include woollyleaf manzanita and downy manzanita. It comes from coastal California. Kew places its range in southern Monterey and northern San Luis Obispo counties. Oregon State describes a wider range under a broader species concept. Wild plants grow in sandy ground near Monterey pine forests. They also grow on windy coastal bluffs below 492 feet [150 metres].

Reported garden heights range from 5 to 8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres]. The shrub stands upright, with dense branches that spread outward. Its reddish bark peels in shreds, adding interest through the year. Burls form at the base. These let the plant grow back after fire. The leathery leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. Their shape ranges from broad and oval to narrow and pointed. The upper surface is glossy green; dense hairs cover the underside. Leaves often cup inward and have smooth or sometimes toothed edges.

White or pink flowers form tight clusters from March to May. Each flower has both male and female parts. Bees pollinate them, and the plant can set fruit by itself. The round, brown fruit may have hairs and small dimples. Fruit measures about 6–10 millimetres across. It has a sweet taste and a dry, mealy texture. People have eaten it fresh, cooked, or dried for later use. The fruit also supplies drinks and flour for bread. The small seeds can be ground for food.

Grow this shrub in sun or light shade. Shade reduces its fruit crop. It needs sandy or loamy acid soil with good drainage. The sources favour moist soil rather than waterlogged ground. It suits coastal sites and tolerates salt-laden winds. PFAF lists USDA zones 7–10 and cold limits near −5 to −10°C. Roots dislike disturbance, so place young plants in their final spot early. Cuttings may need a year to form roots.

The bark and evergreen leaves give woodland edges lasting structure. Leaves also yield a yellow-brown dye, and the wood has furniture uses. PFAF reports traditional medicinal uses for dried leaves and bark. Leaf preparations need caution: arbutin can break down into toxic hydroquinone. The supplied sources name no specific pests or diseases. They do not establish safety for pets.