How much water does Brittleleaf Manzanita need?

It does well with low water once established, preferring dry, well-drained soils typical of chaparral hillsides and struggling if kept consistently moist.

What light conditions suit Brittleleaf Manzanita best?

Full sun brings out the most compact, floriferous growth, though it can handle some part-sun exposure in hotter inland gardens.

When does Brittleleaf Manzanita flower?

Small urn-shaped flowers appear from January through March, ahead of most other shrubs in its range.

Which animals visit Brittleleaf Manzanita flowers?

Bees and hummingbirds are the main visitors, feeding on the early winter and early spring blooms when few other nectar sources are available.

Is Brittleleaf Manzanita HOA-friendly?

Brittleleaf Manzanita is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Brittleleaf Manzanita

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Arctostaphylos crustacea

Last reviewed: September 2026

Brittleleaf Manzanita is a low, spreading evergreen shrub found on dry chaparral slopes and coastal scrub, blooming from January through March with small white to pink urn-shaped flowers that draw 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

Pollinators

bees, hummingbirds

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

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

How much water does Brittleleaf Manzanita need?: It does well with low water once established, preferring dry, well-drained soils typical of chaparral hillsides and struggling if kept consistently moist.
What light conditions suit Brittleleaf Manzanita best?: Full sun brings out the most compact, floriferous growth, though it can handle some part-sun exposure in hotter inland gardens.
When does Brittleleaf Manzanita flower?: Small urn-shaped flowers appear from January through March, ahead of most other shrubs in its range.
Which animals visit Brittleleaf Manzanita flowers?: Bees and hummingbirds are the main visitors, feeding on the early winter and early spring blooms when few other nectar sources are available.
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.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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