Hoary Manzanita
Arctostaphylos canescens
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
36"–120" H × 36"–120" W
Bloom
Feb, Mar, Apr
Native to
CA, OR
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Hoary manzanita is a robust evergreen shrub that can grow quite large, reaching up to 10 feet tall and wide. It produces clusters of small white or pink bell-shaped flowers in late winter through spring, followed by small berries. The plant has attractive gray-green foliage and distinctive reddish bark that adds year-round interest.
In an HOA neighborhood
Hoary Manzanita takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Can become very large and sprawling
- Informal growth habit may appear unkempt
- Slow establishment period can look sparse
Wildlife value
This native shrub is excellent for pollinators, attracting bees with its abundant spring blooms and providing nectar for hummingbirds. The berries feed birds and other wildlife throughout the year.
Common questions
- How much sun does Hoary Manzanita need?
- Hoary Manzanita grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Hoary Manzanita bloom?
- Hoary Manzanita blooms in February, March, and April.
- Where is Hoary Manzanita native?
- Hoary Manzanita (Arctostaphylos canescens) is native to CA, OR, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Hoary Manzanita attract?
- Hoary Manzanita draws bees and hummingbirds.
- Is Hoary Manzanita HOA-friendly?
- Hoary Manzanita takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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 Hoary 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