There are many native manzanita species, but the common and redwood manzanitas are the two species that grow to a significant size in Mendocino County. Redwood manzanita is generally found closer to the coast.

Manzanitas have red trunks and branches. They flower in winter, and flower colors range from white to pink. Berries are a bright or brownish-red when they ripen in the summer and fall. Manzanitas are distinguished from their madrone relatives by the size of their leaves and their mature growth size. Manzanita leaves are generally smaller, 1–2” long, while madrone leaves are about 3–5” long. Madrones may grow over 100’ high, while manzanitas rarely grow over 15’ tall.

Stewardship Considerations

Manzanitas are slow-growing, and do not tolerate heavy pruning. Prune manzanitas in dry weather (late summer or early fall) to prevent disease. Prune out dead wood.

Plants will generally remain healthier if pruned into a multi-trunk rather than a single-trunk shrub. It is probably best to thin a manzanita stand by taking out entire plants rather than significantly pruning individual plants, since pruned plants are more prone to disease. Manzanita does not stump-sprout, except for Eastwood’s manzanita (A. glandulosa), which can be identified by its basal burl.   

Bottom left: Improper pruning will lead to die-back.

Bottom left center: Manzanita berries (summer–fall).

Bottom right and right center: Manzanita flowers (winter–spring).

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Learn more about manzanitas from the California Native Plant Society