Sandmat Manzanita
ExplorePlants
Sandmat Manzanita
Arctostaphylos pumila
The Sandmat Manzanita is a small, bushy plant with beautiful, smooth red bark. It grows close to the ground and has tiny, green leaves that shine in the sun. This plant is special because it can survive in sandy soils!
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The Sandmat Manzanita is a low-growing, mat-forming shrub with smooth, reddish-brown bark that peels in thin strips. It has small, oval, evergreen leaves and clusters of tiny, urn-shaped, pinkish-white flowers, making it easily recognizable among coastal plants.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilyEricaceaeGenusArctostaphylos
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its name 'manzanita' means 'little apple' in Spanish, for its tiny red fruits!
Its tough leaves angle to catch dew and minimize water loss in dry times!
The Sandmat Manzanita plays a crucial role in preventing erosion on sandy hillsides!
This plant can live for over 100 years, a true survivor in its tough habitat!
Special abilities
Ability
Drought Master
Sandmat Manzanita can grow long taproots to find deep water, helping it thrive in very dry, sandy soils.
Ability
Fire Rescuer
After a wildfire, this plant can quickly resprout from its underground root crown, allowing it to recover fast.
Ability
Evergreen Shield
Its leathery, waxy leaves stay green all year, letting it photosynthesize even during dry seasons.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 20-50 cm
- Spread
- 100-300 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-0.7 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late winter to early spring
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
California Bumble Bee
Bombus vosnesenskii
Visits flowers to collect nectar and pollen
eaten by
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionus
Browses on its leaves and twigs
eats
American Black Bear
Ursus americanus
Consumes its edible, apple-like berries
Traits
Aromatic
Aromatic plants produce and emit fragrant volatile organic compounds, often for defense or to attract pollinators.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Shrub
A shrub is a woody plant smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems branching from or near the ground.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch plants unless an adult says it's okay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Sandmat Manzanita?
20-50 cm
How wide does Sandmat Manzanita spread?
100-300 cm
How big are the flowers on Sandmat Manzanita?
0.5-0.7 cm
When does Sandmat Manzanita bloom?
Late winter to early spring
Is Sandmat Manzanita edible?
Yes
Is Sandmat Manzanita toxic?
None
What is Sandmat Manzanita's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Sandmat Manzanita pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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