Bigberry Manzanita
Arctostaphylos glauca
Last reviewed: June 2026
Arctostaphylos glauca (Bigberry Manzanita) is an evergreen shrub native to California that blooms white flowers from January through March. This drought-tolerant plant attracts bees and hummingbirds in full sun locations.
Bigberry Manzanita (Arctostaphylos glauca) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Bigberry Manzanita as toxic to livestock.
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.
Growing Bigberry Manzanita
Grow Bigberry Manzanita in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 72 to 240 inches tall and spread 72 to 240 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- When does Bigberry Manzanita bloom?
- Arctostaphylos glauca blooms from January through March, producing clusters of small white or pale pink urn-shaped flowers.
- What pollinators visit Bigberry Manzanita?
- Bigberry Manzanita attracts both bees and hummingbirds. The small flowers provide nectar for hummingbirds while bees collect both nectar and pollen.
- Where is Arctostaphylos glauca native?
- Bigberry Manzanita is native to California, typically found in chaparral and oak woodland communities in the foothills and mountains.
- How much water does Bigberry Manzanita need?
- Once established, Arctostaphylos glauca is very drought tolerant and requires minimal supplemental watering, making it well-suited for water-wise gardens.
- Is Bigberry Manzanita toxic to dogs?
- Bigberry Manzanita is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Bigberry Manzanita toxic to cats?
- Bigberry Manzanita is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Bigberry Manzanita toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Bigberry Manzanita as toxic to livestock.
- Is Bigberry Manzanita HOA-friendly?
- Bigberry Manzanita is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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.
Ready to grow Bigberry Manzanita? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz