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Heath Family Bigberry Manzanita December-March Ridge Tops |
Ericaceae Arctostaphylos glauca "Bear-bunch of grapes for the fruit" "Waxy leaves" |
Manzanita is easily identified by its smooth brownish-red bark. The only other plant it could be confused with is the madrone tree which has more yellowish bark. The manzanita branches from near its base and the leaves are never as large as the leaves of the madrone. Manzanita in Spanish means little apple, referring to the fruit which looks like a little apple. The flowers are small, 1/4" across, but occur in large bunches that make them easy to spot.
These manzanitas grow to a large size in Henry W. Coe State Park. It is doubtful you will see larger Manzanitas anywhere else in the world. Especially large specimens grow on Manzanita Point and at the south end of Middle Ridge.
