Big Berry Manzanita, Arctostaphylos glauca, is a small, shrubby, 3 to 4 meters tall fruit tree known for its gorgeous deep-red colored bark. It is a species of Manzanita. It is native to coastal counties of California, from the Bay Area through San Diego, and into Baja, Mexico. It will survive temperatures below -18 degrees Celsius.

This fruit bearing plant grows well in arid and near-desert climates. It needs little water and likes full sun. It tolerates salty soil and will grow in snow covered regions. Big Berry Manzanita is a long-lived species, reaching 100 years of age or more.

Leaves are light gray-green, waxy, oval. They can be used for tea and a dye can be extracted from them. Flowers are white, hanging in clusters. It produces red berry fruits, egg-shaped to round, 12 to 15 millimeters wide and edible. The fruit can be used to make a cider-like beverage, as well as flavoring for foods and drinks.

Propagation of Big Berry Manzanita is by seeds and by layering. Seeds are extremely slow to germinate and benefit from heat (natural fire) treatment. They generally need 12-18 months germinate time. It does not begin to fruit until it is around 20 years old.

Big Berry Manzanita