How much sun does Mexican manzanita need?

Mexican manzanita grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Mexican manzanita bloom?

Mexican manzanita blooms in January, February, and March.

Where is Mexican manzanita native?

Mexican manzanita (Arctostaphylos pungens) is native to AZ, CA, NM, NV and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What butterflies or moths does Mexican manzanita host?

Mexican manzanita is a larval host plant for hoary elfin.

Mexican manzanita

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Arctostaphylos pungens

Last reviewed: October 2026

Mexican manzanita (Arctostaphylos pungens) is a perennial shrub native to AZ, CA, NM, NV and 2 more states. It blooms in January, February, and March. The flowers draw bumble bees and hummingbirds.

Toxicity unknown

Mexican manzanita (Arctostaphylos pungens) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

36"–96" H × 48"–96" W

Bloom

Jan, Feb, Mar

Native to

AZ, CA, NM, NV and 2 more states

Pollinators

bumble bees, hummingbirds

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

An evergreen shrub with smooth, dark red bark and small leathery leaves, forming a sculptural, well-structured mass in dry chaparral. Clusters of small pink-white urn-shaped flowers open in late winter.

Growing Mexican manzanita

Grow Mexican manzanita in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 36 to 96 inches tall and spread 48 to 96 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for hoary elfin.

Winter flowers are an important early nectar source for bumble bee queens, and the foliage hosts hoary elfin caterpillars.

Common questions

How much sun does Mexican manzanita need?: Mexican manzanita grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Mexican manzanita bloom?: Mexican manzanita blooms in January, February, and March.
Where is Mexican manzanita native?: Mexican manzanita (Arctostaphylos pungens) is native to AZ, CA, NM, NV and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What butterflies or moths does Mexican manzanita host?: Mexican manzanita is a larval host plant for hoary elfin.

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

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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