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Arctostaphylos canescens
Arctostaphylos canescens Eastw.
Hoary Manzanita
Ericaceae (Heath Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: ARCA5
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
This evergreen shrub may be erect and 3-10 ft. high or sprawling and shorter. Bark is dark red-brown. The leaves are light green and covered with a soft, white pubescence, giving and overall gray appearance. White to pinkish, bell-shaped flowers occur in short, dense clusters.
From the Image Gallery
No images of this plant
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Root Type: Tap
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Ovate
Leaf Pubescence: Tomentose
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Fruit Type: Drupe
Size Notes: Up to about 10 feet tall.
Leaf: Gray
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , PinkBloom Time: Jan , Feb , Mar , Apr , May
Distribution
USA: CA , ORNative Distribution: Coastal areas of n. CA to s. Douglas & Josephine Cos., OR
Native Habitat: Dry, gravelly or rocky slopes; 1000-5000 ft.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Dry, rocky or sandy soils.
Benefit
Use Food: Manzanita berries were used to make a refreshing, cider-like drink by indigenous peoples.Use Other: Young shoots of manzanita used for fire drills by indigenous peoples.
Attracts: Birds
Nectar Source: yes
Propagation
Description: Propagation by seed is can be difficult.Seed Collection: The outer fleshy part of the furit may be removed by macering the fruits with water and separating the nutlets by flotation or air-screening.
Seed Treatment: Seeds of most Arctostaphylos species have hard seed coats and dormant embryos. Scarification (several hours in H2SO4) followed by stratification may improve germination.
Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Bibliography
Bibref 1218 - Tending the Wild: Native American Knowledge and the Management of California's Natural Resources (2006) Anderson, M. KatSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
From the Archive
Wildflower Newsletter 1987 VOL. 4, NO.2 - Wildflowers Provide Activity in Summer, Beautiful Colorado Beckons, What is Rese...Additional resources
USDA: Find Arctostaphylos canescens in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Arctostaphylos canescens in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Arctostaphylos canescens
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-11-23Research By: TWC Staff