Virginia Tech Dendrology

Vine Hill manzanita Ericaceae Arctostaphylos densiflora M.S. Baker symbol: ARDE2
Leaf: Simple, alternate, evergreen, ovate to elliptical, to 1 1/2 inches long, leathery, entire margins, Wedge-shaped at tip and base, young leaves and petioles pubescent, becoming dark green.
Flower: Perfect, urn-shaped, 1/4 inch long, pinkish-white, occurring in tightly grouped hanging cluster at the ends of twigs in late winter to early spring.
Fruit: Small, 1/4 inch round, brick red, berry-like drupe that resembles a tiny apple, maturing in the summer and persistent.
Twig: Young twigs are pink-green and hairy, later they become dark red and smooth.
Bark: Commonly exfoliating to reveal a smooth, glossy, reddish brown, very attractive bark.
Form: A low, dense, mounding shrub to 6 feet.
Looks like: green manzanita - hairy manzanita - kinnikinick - whiteleaf manzanita

Additional Range Information: Arctostaphylos densiflora is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. Download the full-size PDF map.
External Links: 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