Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Radiant Manzanita

Identification

Gallery

Description

Radiant Manzanita, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is a prostrate evergreen ground cover with pink flowers and red berries. Native throughout the northern US, and both coasts. On the west coast it grows from northern California to Alaska along the coast. Radiant manzanita likes part shade inland to full sun near coast or where the days stay below 90F. Prefers sandy soils with organic matter, but will tolerate most soils as long as there is some drainage and moisture. If your rain fall is less than 35" supplement summer water 1/week will be needed. It grows rapidly near the coast as long as it has water. Its final height is 2-5 inches tall and width is 6 feet or so. As long as it is in garden conditions near the coast or in middle elevations it is good to great. We have to water it as we would a lawn. (but we have been described as hell in summer). This Arctostaphylos uva-ursi looks clean and fresh. Use next to a cool walk or patio, over that mossy retaining wall or next to a lawn. It can also be used in place of a lawn. Uses a little less water and doesn't have to be mowed. 'Radient' manzanita commonly looks better than a lawn in a west coast garden, it looks like it belongs there.
Other forms (that we do not grow), 'Wood's Red' is hybrid of uva-ursi with glossy red, dark green leaves. It seems to be garden tolerant and like the interior heat as long as it has afternoon shade and reg. water. 'Wood's Compact' is apparently a little more upright and spreads a little less.
Leaves used as tobacco substitute, stems used to make pipes,berry edible.