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HAIRY MANZANITA
(arctostaphylos columbiana)
 
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. 
 
Manzanita is a popular food source for bears, coyotes, various ground animals, and humans alike. 
 
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.
 
This variety is very common along the coastline of Washington, Oregon, and California. 
 
ZONE: 7-10
POLLINATOR: Yes
DEER RESISTANT: Yes 
DROUGHT TOLERANT: Yes 
EVERGREEN: Yes 
SPREADS BY SEED: Yes
NEEDS A CROSS POLLINATOR: No
AGE OF PLANT: Estimated 2+yr old 
MATURE HEIGHT: 3-15ft tall & 3-10ft 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%20columbiana

HAIRY MANZANITA

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  • 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. 

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