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)
Description
CaliforniaNative
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
More information
- Calscape
- Calflora
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – Arctostapylos uva-ursi
- The Watershed Nursery – Arctostapylos uva-ursi ‘Green Supreme’
- California Flora Nursery – Arctostapylos uva-ursi ‘Point Reyes’
- Theodore Payne Foundation Native Plants Database – Arctostapylos uva-ursi ‘Radiant’
- San Marcos Growers – Arctostaphylos ‘Emerald Carpet’
- Las Pilitas Nursery – Arctostaphylos ‘Emerald Carpet’
- LIFE Video – Arctostaphylos ‘Emerald Carpet’
