Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Photo by Flickr user Per Verdonk

bearberry manzanita

This plant grows well in the following regions:

  • SMSierra and Coastal Mountains
  • CVCentral Valley
  • NCNorth and Central Coast
  • SCSouth Coast
Map of regions (click to enlarge)
map of California regions

Description

California
Native

Native to Northern California to Alaska, growing low and rooting as it spreads, eventually forming a mat 15 ft wide. Small, glossy, leathery leaves are bright green and turn red or purplish in winter. White or pinkish flowers are followed by red fruits. It is slow to become established, so mulch heavily between plants to suppress weeds until it covers the ground. Needs acidic soil.

Many cultivars exist, including 'Green Supreme', 'Point Reyes', 'Radiant', ' Massachusetts', 'Vancouver Jade', and 'Wood's Red'.

'Emerald Carpet' is a hybrid between Arctostaphylols nummularia and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. It is good as a groundcover between a lawn and more drought tolerant plants or as a non-walkable lawn substitute.

Sun needs:

  • Full sun
  • Partial sun

Water needs:

  • Medium water
  • Low water
Water needs information from WUCOLS unless otherwise noted