Arctostaphylos 'John Dourley'

John Dourley's Manzanita

This sturdy, mounding shrub grows to about 3 feet tall by 6 to 8 feet wide. Its small, broad, blue-green leaves have bronze-colored new growth. Light pink flowers in spring are followed by crimson berries. Plant it in full sun or partial shade. ‘John Dourley’ will tolerate clay soils. 

Wildlife value: The word manzanita means “little apple”. Birds love to eat the berries. Hummingbirds sip nectar from the blossoms.

Other uses: Manzanita is prized for its many uses. The berries can be eaten raw or cooked and are known to quench thirst (if you happen to find yourself in the wild without a canteen). The berries, leaves, and smooth mahogany-colored wood have all been used as food, medicine, and for tools.