Arctostaphylos 'Pacific Mist'

Pacific Mist Manzanita

This groundcover Manzanita grows about 3 feet tall and spreads 8 to 10 feet wide. Its gray foliage presents an attractive contrast to its red bark. It grows fairly quickly for a Manzanita and, with some tip pruning, will become a dense groundcover. It does very well on slopes and is at its best in loose soils that drain rapidly. 

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.