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Photo by Walter Siegmund

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Arctostaphylos viscida

Also Known As

Silver Manzanita
Sticky Manzanita
White Leaf Manzanita

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

H: 8'-20'
W: 5'-15'

planting zones

6a-10b

More Options

Arctostaphylos viscida plant details

Arctostaphylos viscida is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring pink and white flowers emerge followed by brown and red fruit. Features fuzzy and glaucous texture. Attracts bees, birds, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, average, clay, gritty, lean and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Arctostaphylos viscida

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: ericaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 5 FT - 15 FT - wide, 8 FT - 20 FT - tall
Flowers: pink and white blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, distinctive bark, edible, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Arctostaphylos viscida

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, average, clay, gritty, lean and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Also called 'whiteleaf manzanita', this handsome 4-12' shrub of California and Oregon features smooth ox-blood-red bark which is striking in contrast with its silvery-gray-green leaves (extra beautiful on a moonlit night!), late-winter brings beautiful pale-pink urn shaped flowers which mature into reddish-brown berries much loved by wildlife, the berries have also been used by some Native American tribes for making cider; like all manzanitas it can form an interesting and unique living sculpture over time; this fire-dependent shrub is also is adapted to serpentine soils; requires excellent drainage. S/D/GDr

By: Forestfarm

This is one of the most drought resistant and handsome species of manzanita. It forms a beautiful specimen large shrub--stout, neat, and densely foliated up to 15 ft. tall x 5-6 ft. in spread. It may be pruned as a small tree, grown in a large container, or even espaliered. Excellent combined with oaks or pines. A. viscida is a very colorful plant, combining strikingly gray to whitish leaves, red bark, and white to pink flowers that appear from March to April and result in mahogany colored berries at spring's end. Grows from Kern County north to about the Oregon Border Bees and butterflies love the dense clusters of flowers and birds enjoy the small fruits. All Arctostaphylos species have similar uses. The berries are edible and when mixed with water they make a nice cider. When ripe, crush the berries and mix with water. Let the mixture stand for several hours and strain out the berries.