Arctostaphylos pajaroensis 'Warren Roberts'

Pajaro Manzanita

This beautiful selection of Pajaro Manzanita has spreading, zigzag trunks. The stems are densely hairy and heavily tinged with red when young. Mature foliage of deep green to bluish-green is wonderfully highlighted by the strikingly red to bronze-red new growth. This selection by Roger Raiche is more upright in habit and more densely leafy than other selections. It grows to 6 feet tall by 10 feet wide. Large, dense flower clusters of deep rose-pink bloom in late winter. Plant it in full sun in well-drained soil. ‘Warren Roberts’ is drought-tolerant and hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Wildlife value: The word manzanita means “little apple”. Birds love to eat the berries. Hummingbirds sip nectar from the blossoms.

Other uses: Manzanita is prized for its many uses. The berries can be eaten raw or cooked and are known to quench thirst (if you happen to find yourself in the wild without a canteen). The berries, leaves, and smooth mahogany-colored wood have all been used as food, medicine, and for tools.