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Mt. Tamalpais Manzanita

Arctostaphylos montana ssp. montana

perennial herb View on Calscape

Care

Foliage

Evergreen

Deer

Resistant

Flowers

Prized

Edible

Berries eaten fresh or made into cider; traditional Indigenous use

Keystone Plant

Supports up to 68 butterfly and moth species in Mediterranean California

Native Range

Chaparral and coastal scrub on Mt. Tamalpais and surrounding Marin County hills, 500-2500 ft elevation

Care Guide

Planting

Plant your Mt. Tamalpais Manzanita in a location that receives full sun, as this native shrub thrives in bright conditions. Ensure the soil drains well - manzanitas are sensitive to soggy roots and will struggle in poorly draining soil. Space plants according to their mature size, which you'll want to confirm with your nursery since the exact dimensions aren't specified here. Plant in fall or winter when the plant can establish roots before the heat of summer.

After Planting

Water regularly during the first growing season to help your manzanita establish, then gradually reduce watering as the plant matures and becomes drought-tolerant. Avoid the common mistake of overwatering once established - this is a California native that prefers dry conditions and can develop root rot with excessive moisture. Pruning specifics aren't detailed in the available data, so check with a local native plant nursery or the California Native Plant Society for guidance on shaping and maintenance.

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