(Arctostaphylos patula)
The name Manzanita derives from the Spanish for “little apple.” It was used as early as the 13th century by Native Americans for food and as tobacco.
The most common Manzanita in Washington, Oregon, and California State. It is a dominant evergreen shrub in local ponderosa pine forests and central Oregon's mountain chaparral, characterized by its shiny green, paddle-shaped leaves and pinkish flowers. This variety grows in areas with heavy snow and higher elevation.
The tannins found in the green bark help kill microbes that can cause gastrointestinal distress. The bark helps to kill H. pylori, the microbe associated with stomach ulcers. Too much bark tea can also upset the stomach, be sure to use recommended doses and not take the tea for more than 2 to 3 days.
ZONE: 5-10
POLLINATOR: Yes
DEER RESISTANT: Yes
DROUGHT TOLERANT: Yes
EVERGREEN: Yes
SPREADS BY SEED: Yes
NEEDS A CROSS POLLINATOR: Self Fertile
AGE OF PLANT: Estimated 2+yr old
MATURE HEIGHT: 3-7ft tall & 6-9ft wide
Burke Herbarium Image Collection
Developed and hosted by the University of Washington Herbarium at the Burke Museum, this site brings together 109,079 photographs and contributions from numerous photographers and botanists.
View this plant...
https://burkeherbarium.org/imagecollection/taxon.php?Taxon=Arctostaphylos%20patula
MANZANITA | Green Leaf
PLANTING & GROWING
Full sun, well draining, slightly to very acidic soil. The only thing this manzanita does seem to hate is salt in soil or water.
MEDICINAL BENEFITS
- A versatile medicinal plant, historically used by Indigenous peoples for its astringent and antimicrobial properties
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to leaves rich arbutin content, a compound that acts as a urinary antiseptic to treat UTIs and kidney-related issues.
- Digestive issues, diarrhea, upset, & ulcers
- Skin ailments
- Leaves and bark have a high tannin content and are typically prepared as decoctions or poultices for wounds for astringent properties
- Headache, leaves are boiled into a poultice to place on head
- A wash to relief poison oak rashes
- Berries are high in vitamin C
- Berries have 3x more antioxidants than blueberries or pomegranates
- Edema
- Whooping cough
- Fevers
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Postpartum vaginal and cervical bruising/bleeding
- A douche made from the leaves will also help rebalance vaginal pH
Note: While generally safe, some individuals may have skin sensitivity to it, and it should be avoided during pregnancy.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
FLAVOR & PAIRING
Pair with honey, caramel, cream, apple based desserts, muffins, granola, venison, wild rose tea, apple cider, or a berry punch with hibiscus!
Grind into a powder to create something that tastes like sweet tarts.
Never eat the leaves in the raw.