Bigberry Manzanita
Arctostaphylos glauca
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
Nicholaswei
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Genus:
- Arctostaphylos
- Species:
- Arctostaphylos glauca
- USDA Symbol:
- ARGL4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 600 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jan,feb,mar,apr
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★★☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
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
Hummingbirds: Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna) Moths:Etainia Beirne, Phyllonorycter manzanita
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, bees, butterflies, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from basal burl after fire. Fire enhances seed germination through scarification and increases nutrient availability in chaparral ecosystems.
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds have hard seed coats requiring scarification followed by cold stratification. Germination can be erratic and slow even with proper treatment.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Expose to fluctuation outdoor winter temperatures including freezing for 3 months. Gradually increase light and temperature in the spring. Requires light or the seed is very fine. Surface sow and expose to light. Requires scarification. Nick or rub between sheets of sandpaper. Requires soaking. Place in warm water until seeds swell, usually 24-48 hours. Discard water and any seeds that remain floating. * immerse in boiling water for 20 seconds