Pine-Mat Manzanita
Arctostaphylos nevadensis

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

Arctostaphylos nevadensis is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.1

Where it is found

Montane areas.

South-western N. America - California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Seed - ground into a powder and added to soups etc. The seed is very small and would be difficult to separate from the fruit. It would be easier to dry the whole fruit, grind this into a powder and use it in soups etc. Fruit. The fruit can be eaten fresh or dried and stored for later use. It can also be pulverised and made into a drink.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The leaves are used in the treatment of diarrhoea. The whole plant is used as an antidote for poisoning by poison oak, Toxicodendron diversiloba. It was probably applied externally to the skin.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Other

Rating: 3

A yellowish-brown dye is obtained from the leaves, it does not require a mordant. A good ground-cover plant for steep sandy banks. A carpeting plant, growing quite rapidly and rooting as it spreads.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Ground cover: Ground Cover

How it is grown

Requires a deep moist well-drained light or medium lime-free loam in sun or semi-shade but plants produce less fruit when grown in the shade. Prefers a position in full sun. Grows well in shade. Plants at Kew were growing very well in a shady position on a NE slope in 1990. Grows well in a sandy seashore garden. This species is closely related to A. uva-ursi. Plants resent root disturbance and should be placed in their final positions as soon as possible.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe. Pre-soak dried seed in boiling water for 10 - 20 seconds or burn some straw on top of them and then stratify at 2 - 5°c for 2 months. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 3 months at 15°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame or greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Cuttings of side shoots of the current season's growth, 5 - 8cm with a heel, August to December in a frame. Takes one year. Division in early spring. Take care because the plant resents root disturbance. Pot the divisions up and keep them in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are growing away actively. Layering in spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Ground Cover;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. parviflora. Uva-ursi nevadensis.