Bigberry Manzanita
Arctostaphylos glauca
Last reviewed: June 2026
Bigberry Manzanita (Arctostaphylos glauca) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org, last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
72"–240" H × 72"–240" W
Bloom
Jan, Feb, Mar
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Bigberry manzanita is a large, evergreen shrub with distinctive reddish-brown bark and leathery gray-green leaves. It produces clusters of white to pink urn-shaped flowers in winter to early spring followed by large red berries. This drought-tolerant plant can grow into a substantial specimen reaching 6 to 20 feet in height and width.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bigberry Manzanita is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: backyard only, mid zone.
- Very large size may overwhelm small front yards
- Slow-growing and difficult to maintain at a smaller size
- Natural growth habit can appear too wild for formal landscapes
Wildlife value
The winter to early spring flowers provide important nectar for bees and hummingbirds when few other plants are blooming. The berries are consumed by birds and mammals, making it a valuable wildlife plant.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Bigberry Manzanita fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.