Virginia Tech Dendrology

hairy manzanita Ericaceae Arctostaphylos columbiana Piper symbol: ARCO3
Leaf: Simple, alternate, and persistent; 1 to 2 inches long, leathery, and generally elliptical in shape; entire margins; dull green or blue-green in color but hairy on both surfaces. Petiole short and hairy.
Flower: Perfect, urn-shaped, pinkish-white and borne in small terminal clusters.
Fruit: Small, 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter; smooth, red, berry-like drupe that resembles a tiny apple.
Twig: Young twigs are gray and hairy, becoming smooth and dark reddish brown with age.
Bark: Smooth and brown on young stems but dark reddish brown and exfoliating on older stems.
Form: A large, bushy evergreen shrub or small tree with stiff, gnarly branches, seldom exceeds 12 feet tall and 5 inches in diameter.
Looks like: green manzanita - kinnikinick - whiteleaf manzanita - bigberry manzanita

Additional Range Information: Arctostaphylos columbiana is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. Download the full-size PDF map.
External Links: USDAFS FEIS Silvics - USDA Plants Database
All material © 2021 Virginia Tech Dept. of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation; Photos and text by: John Seiler, Edward Jensen, Alex Niemiera, and John Peterson; Silvics reprinted from Ag Handbook 654; range map source information