Arctostaphylos Tomentosa

Description

Arctostaphylos tomentosa, commonly known as the woolly bear manzanita, is a species of flowering plant in the heath family, Ericaceae. It is native to California and Baja California, Mexico. This evergreen shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall and 10 feet wide. It has a dense, spreading habit with reddish-brown bark and dark green, leathery leaves that can be up to 2 inches long. In the spring, it produces small, urn-shaped, pinkish-white flowers that eventually turn into small, red berries.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Ericales
Family	Ericaceae
Genus	Arctostaphylos

Appearance

The woolly bear manzanita is a dense, spreading shrub with reddish-brown bark and dark green, leathery leaves that are up to 2 inches long. The leaves are oval-shaped and have a woolly texture on the underside. In the spring, it produces small, urn-shaped, pinkish-white flowers that eventually turn into small, red berries. The berries are edible but not very palatable.

Care Guide

The woolly bear manzanita is a low maintenance plant that requires little care once established. It prefers well-draining soil and should be planted in a location with full sun. It is drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Fertilization is not necessary, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can improve growth. It is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.

Common Pests & Diseases

The woolly bear manzanita is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if planted in poorly draining soil.

Habitat

The woolly bear manzanita is native to California and Baja California, Mexico. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and oak woodlands. It is well-adapted to drought and can survive in areas with little water.

Question and Answer

1. Is the woolly bear manzanita drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, the woolly bear manzanita is drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with little water.

2. Are the berries of the woolly bear manzanita edible?
A: Yes, the berries of the woolly bear manzanita are edible, but they are not very palatable.

3. What is the hardiness zone for the woolly bear manzanita?
A: The woolly bear manzanita is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.

4. What is the appearance of the leaves of the woolly bear manzanita?
A: The leaves of the woolly bear manzanita are dark green, leathery, and oval-shaped with a woolly texture on the underside.

Related Plants

• Arctostaphylos edmundsii
• Arctostaphylos hookeri
• Arctostaphylos manzanita
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

References

• “Arctostaphylos tomentosa.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 18 May 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctostaphylos_tomentosa.
• Calscape, California Native Plant Society, www.calscape.org/Arctostaphylos-tomentosa-(Woolly-Bear-Manzanita)?srchcr=sc60b643a0f9fe9.