WALLACE W HANSEN

Native Plants of the Northwest

Native Plant Nursery & Gardens

2158 Bower Ct S.E., Salem, Oregon 97317-9216

E-Mail: Wallace W Hansen
Phone: 503-581-2638; Fax: 408-586-1306

Click here for Home Page: www.nwplants.com

For information about Wallace W Hansen Northwest Native Plant Nursery & Gardens: Business Information (Ordering, etc.)

Updated March 13, 2008

Hairy Manzanita (Arctostaphylos columbiana)

Family: Ericaceae

If you have any information about this species – stories, climates, uses, propagation, etc. please contact me at nwplants@gmail.comIf I publish your tips and information, I will credit you on the web and send you a credit memo.

 

Photo by JoAnn Onstott

Description:

A small, slow-growing evergreen shrub, from 3 - 10 feet, the Hairy Manzanita arctostaphylos columbiana grows upright form a single stem or branching from the base of smooth reddish brown bark. The leaves are simple, alternate, oval, 1-2 inches long, thick textured, gray- or blue-green and hairy on both sides. It flowers in spring (from March through May in California and in early June in Oregon) with clusters of small pale pink to almost white urn-shaped blossoms that have no discernable fragrance. The fruit which follows the blooming period in mid to late June is small, 1/4 - 1/2 inches in diameter, smooth and red, and resemble a somewhat flattened tiny apple. In fact, the name "manzanita," means "little apple" in Spanish. This fruit may stay on the plant until the following spring.

The young twigs are gray and as hairy as the leaves, turning a wonderful reddish-brown as they age. On older stems, the bark exfoliates giving much textural interest. The stiff, gnarled branches are very striking in their rather torturous form.

Habitat and Geographic Range:

Hairy manzanita arctostaphylos columbiana is distributed in USDA Zones 7 to 10 from the Coast Ranges from Sonoma County, California, north to Vancouver Island and Vancouver, British Columbia with the largest population in the southwestern part of Oregon. It grows at elevations up to 2,500 feet in California, 3,750 feet in Oregon and up to 4,950 feet in Washington. It is sometimes (but not often) found on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountain Range in Washington and Oregon. It does favor the evergreen forested coastal plains from northern California through British Columbia.

Photo by JoAnn Onstott

Often an initial or secondary colonizer of disturbed plant communities (as happens from fire, heavy logging or over-development), it commonly joins the communities that grow after the forest over-story is removed. Once established in such a re-population scenario, the Hairy Manzanita arctostaphylos columbiana will remain a member of the later open-canopied forestation. It is not often found in the heavy old-growth forests because of it's preference for more sun than this environment affords. 

Best grown in full sun to light shade. Will not tolerate extremely high temperatures. This plant requires acid soils with a pH range of 3 to 7. Tolerates sandy soil to heavy clay, but will not do well in salty soil as found along the beaches. The pod sol soils of the pygmy forest in Mendocino County, California, give it a decidedly dwarfed form. Good drainage is a must--a 1 foot hole should have no standing water after 60 minutes. 

Naturally occurring as a member of the understory system in western coniferous forests, the Hairy Manzanita arctostaphylos columbiana is also found scattered or in small clusters among other shrubs in clearings. Works well with other ericaceous plants such as huckleberries (Vaccinium) and salal (Gautheria shallon). Other good companions are the wild roses, Pacific madrone, Oregon grape (Mahonia), Snowbrush (Ceanothus), and Vine Maple (Acer circinatum). Perennials that grow under or in close proximity of the Hairy Manzanita arctostaphylos columbiana in nature are Beargrass (Xerophyllum tenax), Penstemon, Oregon stonecrop (Sedum oregonese), and some ferns.

Uses of Plant:

The small size of this plant precludes uses as timber or main source of fire wood (branches are rarely over 5 inches in diameter). However, North American Indians did burn it at dances and ceremonials because it burns with a very bright light. For the most part, it is currently used more for it's visual appeal than anything else. The branches are made into unusual walking staffs, table legs, lamp bases, jewelry trees, coat racks. The beautiful burls are used for small bowls or boxes or as bases for artistic creations of clay, bronze or other materials. The wood is very hard so it does make good handles for awls or other tools. Because of the favor in which birds and other wildlife find the Hairy Manzanita arctostaphylos columbiana, it is most desirable as a bird or reptile perch when these are caged.

The fruit is sometimes used raw or cooked and is best harvested before fully ripe because the pulp turns mealy on maturity.

Medicinally, a decoction of the bark has been used as a treatment for diarrhea, and the leaves are said to be effective as an astringent.

The grey- or blue-green leaves can be boiled down for dye. It makes a wonderful yellow-brown color and is quite permanent. It does not require a mordant.

The small size, beautiful bark and naturally exotic shape of this Hairy Manzanita arctostaphylos columbiana give it great appeal as a landscape plant. Little care is required once established, the drought tolerance, slower growth and the fact that it is an evergreen shrub make it a low maintenance choice for the home gardener.

Photo by JoAnn Onstott

Perhaps our favorite use of this plant is to include it in a wildlife habitat. The fruit is very desirable to many species of birds. Black bear, coyote, black-tailed deer and many small mammals also enjoy these "little apples." Hummingbirds love the nectar from the flowers.

Propagation:

Hairy manzanita arctostaphylos columbiana is best propagated from stem cuttings, but it can be grown from seed if one is diligent and careful. The seed falls beneath the parent plant or is spread by animals. The seeds must be scarified prior to germination, which is done in nature in either the stomach of animals or by fire. The fire kills the parent plant and then scarifies the seed in the course of the burn. Although it is said that all manzanitas are capable of air layering, the Hairy Manzanita arctostaphylos columbiana rarely will succeed in this form of propagation because it does not sprout from the root crown.  

Culture:

Include culture practices from small gardens to large scale production, restoration, rehab, etc. Include use of fertilizers, micro-organisms, water, pruning, weeding, chemical and other sprays, diseases and
treatment, wintering over, etc.

Historical and Special interest:

Manzanita, Oregon, a quiet, peaceful village located in Tillamook County on the Northern Oregon Coast, became an incorporated city in 1946. The name means "little apple" in Spanish. Manzanita is not quite two hours west of Portland via Highway 26, 13 miles south of Cannon Beach and 25 miles north of Tillamook on Highway 101.

Thanks, and happy gardening!

Wally

Click here to return to my Home Page

Questions about plants, click here:  Regular Email to Wally

Comments or questions about our web site, click here: Webmaster