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hairy manzanita

Arctostaphylos columbiana

The hairy manzanita is a special shrub with beautiful, reddish-brown bark and shiny green leaves. It grows small, pinkish flowers that turn into tasty berries, making it a favorite for birds and other animals.

Habitat: Mountain regions

Appearance

The hairy manzanita has reddish-brown, smooth bark that peels, and distinctive hairy stems and leaves. Its clusters of tiny, bell-shaped pink or white flowers ripen into bright red berries, standing out against its leathery, evergreen foliage.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilyEricaceaeGenusArctostaphylos
hairy manzanita
flowering trait badgeshrub trait badgeevergreen trait badgefruit_bearing trait badge
hairy manzanita

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

"Manzanita" means "little apple" in Spanish, referring to its small, apple-like berries!

Its bark constantly peels away in thin strips, revealing new, smoother, reddish layers underneath.

Native peoples traditionally ground the dried berries into a meal or made a refreshing cider drink.

This evergreen shrub can live for hundreds of years, becoming a grand, gnarled fixture in its habitat.

Special abilities

Ability

Fire Fighter

Hairy manzanita can resprout vigorously from its woody base after wildfires, helping it thrive in fire-prone landscapes.

Ability

Water Saver

Its fuzzy leaves and stems trap moisture and reduce water loss, allowing it to survive dry, arid conditions.

Ability

Sun Shield

The thick, leathery leaves are angled to minimize direct sunlight, protecting the plant from intense solar radiation.

Measurements & details

Height
100-500 cm
Spread
100-400 cm
Flower Size
0.5-0.7 cm
Bloom Season
Winter-early spring
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch the plants in nature. Some can be prickly or have berries that aren't safe to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is hairy manzanita?

100-500 cm

How wide does hairy manzanita spread?

100-400 cm

How big are the flowers on hairy manzanita?

0.5-0.7 cm

When does hairy manzanita bloom?

Winter-early spring

Is hairy manzanita edible?

Yes

Is hairy manzanita toxic?

None

What is hairy manzanita's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is hairy manzanita pollinated?

Insect

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