Arctostaphylos viscida is a species of manzanita known by the common names whiteleaf manzanita and sticky manzanita. This is a treelike shrub reaching up to five meters in height. The stems may be smooth or fuzzy, and are often glandular. The leaves are rounded to oval, sometimes slightly toothed or with hairs along the edges, and usually dull green on both surfaces. When in flower the shrub is packed heavily with densely bunching inflorescences of urn-shaped white to pale pink flowers.
The fruits are shiny red or greenish-brown drupes between one half and one centimeter wide. It is native to California and Oregon. The Miwok of northern California used the fruits to make cider.
Genus - Arctostaphylos
Species - Viscida
Common name - Whiteleaf Manzanita
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 7 - 10
Height - 0.90-3m / 36"-12'
Spread - 0.9-2.5m / 36"-8'
Plant type - Small Shrub
Vegetation type - Evergreen
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Shade
Growth rate - Slow
Soil PH - 6.1-7.8 (mildly acidic - neutral - mildly alkaline)
Soil type - light (sandy), medium (loamy), poor soils
Water requirements - Average Water, Drought tolerant once established
Landscape uses - Attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds, suitable for xeriscaping
Germination rate - 90%
Bloom season - Spring
Leaf / Flower color - Silver green / White / near white
Useful Info | |
Germination | Prepare your seeds. Manzanita seeds have a hard coating that must be broken down before planting. Soak them in boiling water to loosen the coating. In nature, manzanita seeds germinate after forest fires, and some gardeners sow the seeds and then burn three to four layers of pine needles on top of the soil to prompt germination. Cold stratify for 90 days in fridge in vermiculite or sterile soil in airtight container or bag. Plant the seeds in light well-drained soil. In nature they often grow on rocky slopes, so gardeners can add gravel, sand or stones to soil to ensure sufficient drainage. Plant above the level of the surrounding soil – not in a dip – to prevent water-logging. Use mulch to protect against weeds and to regulate irrigation. |