Brittleleaf Manzanita
Arctostaphylos crustacea
Last reviewed: July 2026
Arctostaphylos crustacea (Brittleleaf Manzanita) is a California native shrub that blooms white to pink flowers from January through March. This drought-tolerant evergreen thrives in full sun and attracts bees and hummingbirds.
Brittleleaf Manzanita (Arctostaphylos crustacea) 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.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
36"–120" H × 36"–120" W
Bloom
Jan, Feb, Mar
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Arctostaphylos crustacea (Brittleleaf Manzanita) is a striking native shrub with attractive mahogany-red bark and glossy evergreen foliage. It produces clusters of small urn-shaped white to pink flowers in winter and early spring, followed by red berries.
Growing Brittleleaf Manzanita
Grow Brittleleaf Manzanita in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 36 to 120 inches tall and spread 36 to 120 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Brittleleaf Manzanita is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Size must be managed to maintain neat appearance
- Leaf litter may need periodic cleanup
Wildlife value
Provides important winter and early spring nectar for bees when few other plants are blooming. The berries are valuable food for birds and other wildlife.
Common questions
- When does Brittleleaf Manzanita bloom?
- Arctostaphylos crustacea blooms from January through March, producing clusters of small white to pink urn-shaped flowers.
- What pollinators visit Brittleleaf Manzanita?
- Bees and hummingbirds are the primary pollinators of Arctostaphylos crustacea, attracted to its early season nectar-rich flowers.
- Where is Brittleleaf Manzanita native?
- Arctostaphylos crustacea is native to California, where it grows naturally in chaparral and woodland habitats.
- How much water does Brittleleaf Manzanita need?
- This drought-tolerant shrub requires low water once established and is well-adapted to California's Mediterranean climate with dry summers.
- Is Brittleleaf Manzanita toxic to dogs?
- Brittleleaf Manzanita is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Brittleleaf Manzanita toxic to cats?
- Brittleleaf Manzanita is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Brittleleaf Manzanita HOA-friendly?
- Brittleleaf 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 Brittleleaf 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