Greenleaf Manzanita
arctostaphylos patula
Also known as: ["Greenleaf Manzanita","Manzanita"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to western North America, known for its smooth, reddish bark and small, green leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Genus: | Arctostaphylos |
| Botanical Name: | Arctostaphylos patula |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: raised garden bed or slope with good drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–29°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining; poor drainage can lead to root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5–7.0); prefers sandy or loamy soils with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove no more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent sunburn.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid intense midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Watering
every 7–14 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; allow soil to dry partially between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-drained, acidic to neutral soil with organic matter
pH: Acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter; ensure pH is within preferred range.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–7; tolerates cold temperatures down to -20°F (-29°C); prefers cool summers and avoids extreme heat.
Protect from late spring frosts; avoid placing in hot, stagnant air; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 3–4 months during active growth with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly; use a low-nitrogen formula; apply before new growth emerges.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer; seed propagation is possible but slower.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is semi-hardwood.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; remove crossing or damaged stems; shape as needed.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead wood, and encourage air circulation; minimal pruning needed for healthy plants.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune before new growth; remove dead or diseased wood; shape lightly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Use a well-draining soil mix; gently tease out circling roots; place in a pot only slightly larger than the root ball.
Suggestions
Repot only when necessary, typically every 3–5 years or if root-bound; prefers slightly crowded roots.
Checklist
Use fresh soil mix; check for circling roots; ensure proper drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add sand or perlite for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in excessive heat; dieback or delayed growth in prolonged cold without protection.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or turn brown; growth slows or halts; potential for root damage in poorly drained soil during freeze-thaw cycles.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; avoid overwatering; provide wind protection in exposed locations.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature flowering; reduced vigor in prolonged heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use a balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; discontinue fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicArctostaphylos patula is not considered toxic to cats. The berries of this plant do not contain compounds that are harmful to felines. However, ingestion of any plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's fibrous content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicArctostaphylos patula is not considered toxic to dogs. The berries of this plant do not contain compounds that are harmful to canines. However, ingestion of any plant material in large quantities may cause mild digestive upset due to the plant's fibrous content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicArctostaphylos patula, commonly known as greenleaf manzanita, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, consuming large quantities of its berries may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to their high tannin content. The plant does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause severe physiological effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Greenleaf Manzanita toxic to pets?
A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.
Q: How does Greenleaf Manzanita adapt to drought?
A: It has deep roots and waxy leaves to conserve water.
Q: Does Greenleaf Manzanita attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it provides nectar for bees and butterflies and habitat for birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–14 days, allowing so |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
