Arctostaphylos manzanita facts for kids
The Arctostaphylos manzanita is a special type of plant. It is often called the common manzanita or whiteleaf manzanita. This plant grows only in California, USA. You can find it in the Coast Ranges and the Sierra Nevada foothills. It often grows on dry, shrubby slopes called chaparral. It also lives in low-elevation coniferous forests.
Quick facts for kids Arctostaphylos manzanita |
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A. manzanita
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| Arctostaphylos manzanita Parry
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What It Looks Like
The leaves of the common manzanita are bright and shiny green. They are shaped like a wedge and have a pointed tip. Its small white flowers are shaped like tiny cups. They hang upside down and are only about a quarter inch long.
The fruits are small berries. When they first grow, they are white. As summer goes on, they turn a reddish-brown color. The plant's branches are long and often twisted. They have reddish bark, which makes it easy to spot a manzanita. This plant can grow into a twisted tree, reaching about 15 feet (4.5 meters) tall.
Uses of the Manzanita
Like other manzanita plants, this species has very strong and beautiful wood. People have used this wood to make tools. It is also good for burning as firewood.
The fruit of the manzanita is safe to eat. It has a nice tart taste. However, if you eat too many of the seeds, they can cause a tummy ache. Historically, Native Americans used to brew the fruit into a type of cider. Bears and chipmunks also enjoy eating these berries.
