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Description
Arctostaphylos Pallida, or the pallid manzanita, is a shrub that is native to the western United States. It is a member of the heath family and grows to be about 3 feet tall and 6 feet wide. The plant features smooth, reddish-brown bark and leathery, oval-shaped leaves that are an attractive shade of green. It produces small white or pink flowers that bloom in the winter and early spring, which later give way to edible red berries.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Arctostaphylos |
Appearance
The pallid manzanita is an attractive shrub that is known for its smooth reddish-brown bark and leathery, oval-shaped leaves. The leaves are usually about 2 inches long and are an attractive shade of green. The plant produces small white or pink flowers that bloom in the winter and early spring. These flowers later give way to edible red berries that are about 0.5 inches in diameter.
Care Guide
The pallid manzanita is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
Water: The pallid manzanita is drought-tolerant and does not require much water. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilizer. Use a slow-release fertilizer once a year in the spring.
Soil: The pallid manzanita prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The pallid manzanita is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to root rot if it is planted in poorly-drained soil. Other common pests and diseases include:
Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. Spray the plant with insecticidal soap to get rid of spider mites.
Aphids: These pests can cause distorted growth and yellowing of the leaves. Spray the plant with insecticidal soap to get rid of aphids.
Phytophthora root rot: This fungal disease can cause the plant to wilt and die. Avoid planting in poorly-drained soil and avoid overhead watering.
Habitat
The pallid manzanita is native to the western United States and can be found in California, Arizona, and Nevada. It grows in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and oak woodlands.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the pallid manzanita edible?
A: Yes, the red berries produced by the pallid manzanita are edible and can be used to make jams and jellies.
Q: Can the pallid manzanita tolerate drought?
A: Yes, the pallid manzanita is drought-tolerant and can survive with little water.
Q: What is the best time to prune the pallid manzanita?
A: The best time to prune the pallid manzanita is in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Q: Can the pallid manzanita be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the pallid manzanita can be grown in a container as long as it has well-drained soil and receives enough sunlight.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to the pallid manzanita:
- Arctostaphylos bakeri
- Arctostaphylos densiflora
- Arctostaphylos edmundsii
- Arctostaphylos glauca
- Arctostaphylos manzanita
References
- “Arctostaphylos pallida,” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
- “Pallid Manzanita,” Las Pilitas Nursery
- “Arctostaphylos pallida,” California Native Plant Society
