Bigberry Manzanita

Arctostaphylos glauca

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Ericaceae
Genus:
Arctostaphylos
Species:
Arctostaphylos glauca

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
20-40 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
feb, apr
Bloom Colors:
White, Pink
Lawn Substitute:
Yes
Evergreen Shrub:
Yes

Native Range

United States: California

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Bee Keystone:
★★★★☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Aseptis fumeola, Aseptis perfumosa, Ceanothus Silkmoth (Hyalophora euryalus), Cochisea sinuaria, Coleophora glaucella, Coleotechnites mackiei, Elegant Sheep Moth (Hemileuca eglanterina), Elegant sphinx (Sphinx perelegans), Ethmia arctostaphylella, Mendocino saturnia moth (Saturnia mendocino), Orthosia pacifica, Phyllonorycter manzanita, Pleromella opter, robust datana (Datana robusta), sulphur moth (Hesperumia sulphuraria), Western amorbia moth (Amorbia cuneanum), Western tent caterpillar (Malacosoma californica), Western tussock moth (Orgyia vetusta)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus), Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus) Moths:Etainia Beirne (Etainia Beirne)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers dry slopes and chaparral environments

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.

Source: OpenAI GPT-4o