Arctostaphylos edmundsii 'Rosy Dawn'

Little Sur Manzanita

This matting Manzanita is found near the mouth of the Little Sur River in Monterey County. It makes a fine groundcover for coastal gardens. This selection grows 1 foot high and spreads 6 feet wide. Attractive bluish-green leaves contrast beautifully with the pink-tinged flowers which appear in late winter. Plant it in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade on the coast or in partial shade inland, and give it moderate amounts of water. This is a good plant for hillsides.

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.