Green Supreme Manzanita
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Green Supreme'
Care
part shade, full sun
very low
Fast, Medium; Tolerates a variety of soils but prefers sandy loam. Tolerates serpentine soil..
2–2ft tall , 10–10ft wide
Jan-Dec
Evergreen
Resistant
Friendly
Prized
Berries eaten fresh or made into cider; traditional Indigenous use
Supports up to 68 butterfly and moth species in Mediterranean California
Cultivar of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, which occurs in montane areas of northern California and the Sierra Nevada, 4000-8000 ft elevation.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Green Supreme Manzanita in full sun to part shade in a location with fast to medium drainage; it tolerates a variety of soils including sandy loam and even serpentine soil, so drainage matters more than soil type. The best planting time in the Bay Area is fall or early winter when the plant can establish roots before summer heat. Space according to its mature size of 2 feet tall and wide, and pair it with other drought-tolerant natives that thrive in similar conditions.
After Planting
Water moderately during the first growing season to keep soil moist, then transition to very low water once established - this plant is extremely drought-tolerant and prefers dry conditions. The #1 mistake Bay Area gardeners make is overwatering; Green Supreme Manzanita is adapted to low-water Mediterranean climates and will develop root rot if kept wet. Prune lightly after flowering if needed to maintain shape, and expect year-round blooms from January through December.
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Wildlife Supported
Mammals
Critical fall hyperphagia fuel source; berries consumed August-October before hibernation
Year-round herbivory on leaves; overwinter food source in montane/alpine habitat
Important fall and winter food source when other prey scarce
Birds
Fall migration staging; critical refueling on berries September-October
Migratory flocks exploit manzanita berry crops in late summer-fall
Important winter food source in California foothills and mountains
Insects
Early spring emergence; larvae exploit new manzanita leaf growth
Larvae feed on manzanita foliage; multiple generations spring-summer
Early spring forager; critical pollen and nectar source when other flowers scarce
Spring emergence and pollen provisioning for larvae
Diurnal nectar forager in spring
Spring pollen source for early-emerging solitary bee species
Larval host plant in California; caterpillars feed on young foliage