Woollyleaf manzanita

Woollyleaf manzanita is endemic to California, and a regular residents of chaparral canyons, foothill, and lower-elevation mountain ranges.  The branches are woolly when young.  This evergreen shrub is both low-lying and spreading, usually growing to about 5 ft, and wider than taller.

Blooms from January to March, with soft pinkish-white flowers resembling delicate miniature Chinese lanterns.  Fruits can be eaten dried or in baked treats, like “little apples”. The dried leaves are used for tea which has a strong astringent taste and antiseptic properties, and can be used to treat mild kidney and bladder problems.  The wood is used for making fine furniture.

Lifeform: Shrub

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade

Water: Light, Moderate

Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand

Other: Attracts Bees, Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies