Manzanita

Scientific Name:

Arctostaphylos pajaroensis

Variety:

• “Waren Roberts”

Physical Appearance:

• Medium sized shrub

• Pink flowers

• green/blue leaves (they look dusted in chalk)

• Bright shiny green wedge-shaped and pointed leaves

• Light brown, curved branches… it can look pretty sculptural

• Bright red berries

When Does It Grow:

• Blooms in late Spring

Preferred Environment:

• Thrives with minimal water and dryer environments yet can be found costal

Method of Reproduction:

• Attracts birds, bees, and butterflies

Medicinal Uses:

• Used in teas in order to prevent urine from becoming too basic or alkaline

• Having too basic of urine can promote coliform bacterial growth in the urethra resulting in painful urination

• Manzanita is high in tannins which are consumed at too high of quantities or too frequently can cause irritation of stomach lining and to the kidneys

• The teas can also help with yeast infections and general inflammation

• When boiled, the tea can be utilized to sterilize infections, burns, and cuts

• Native Americans used it to cure poison oak rashes

• Leaves contain minor disinfectant qualities 

• Malled leaves can be applied to sores and headaches 

• Chewed and swallowed for stomach aches and cramps 

• Leaves contain a yellow/brown dye when broken down and used as a body soap

Role in the Ecosystem:

• Birds eat the berries and hummingbirds rely on their nectar from the blossoms

Random:

• Berries are supposedly safe to be eaten raw and are said to quench thirst

• In Spanish Manzanita translates to little apple as the berries resemble small apples 

• Has been used in spiritual rituals by smoking the leaves 

• Berries can be found in jams