Arctostaphylos viscida aka White Leaf Manzanita

Arctostaphylos viscida is an evergreen shrub in the heath family, Ericaceae. Kew records its native range as northern California. It grows in a temperate climate. Its upright, bushy form has stiff, twisted branches. These give the plant a strong outline through the year. The RHS lists it for gravel gardens and Mediterranean-style planting.

Garden plants reach about 8–13 feet (2.5–4 metres) tall. Their spread reaches about 5–8 feet (1.5–2.5 metres). Virginia Tech describes a shorter height of 9 feet (2.7 metres). The RHS gives five to ten years to reach maturity. Smooth, red-brown bark peels from the branches as they age. The leaves stay on the plant throughout the year. They grow alternately along the stems on short stalks. Each leaf is simple, leathery, and oval to broadly egg-shaped. The edges lack teeth. A blue-white coating covers both sides, giving the foliage a grey-green look.

Flowers appear in late winter and spring. They range from white to pink and have an urn-like shape. Small clusters grow at the shoot tips on sticky stalks. Each flower has both male and female parts. The fruit follows in summer, changing from green to reddish brown. Virginia Tech describes the fruit as a small, round drupe. Its shape recalls a tiny apple. The bark, lasting foliage, flowers, and fruit provide interest across the seasons.

Grow this shrub in full sun or partial shade. Choose a sheltered site, away from cold, drying winds. It suits moderately fertile soil without lime. The RHS accepts clay, loam, or sand with good drainage. Soil may be acid or neutral. Moist but well-drained soil suits cultivation, though the plant also resists drought. Its RHS hardiness rating is H3. This limits outdoor use to coastal and relatively mild UK areas. The listed temperature range is 23–34°F (−5 to 1°C).

The RHS describes few pest problems, but leaf spot can occur. Growers can raise plants from seed or take semi-ripe summer cuttings. Autumn layering offers another route. For seed, the RHS specifies a 20-second soak in boiling water. Sow in containers during autumn and use a cold frame. Treat the fruit as ornamental, not as food. The RHS warns against people and pets eating it. It also recommends gloves and other protective gear when handling the plant.