When does Whiteleaf Manzanita bloom?

Whiteleaf Manzanita typically flowers from February through April, producing clusters of small urn-shaped white to pale pink blossoms before the dry summer months set in.

What pollinates Whiteleaf Manzanita?

Bees and hummingbirds are the primary visitors to Whiteleaf Manzanita flowers, drawn to the nectar produced during its late winter to early spring bloom.

How much water does Whiteleaf Manzanita need?

This shrub is adapted to low water conditions and generally needs little to no irrigation once established, though it can handle occasional moderate watering in well drained soil.

What light conditions does Whiteleaf Manzanita prefer?

Whiteleaf Manzanita grows best in full sun but can tolerate part sun or partial shade, particularly in hotter inland locations.

Is Whiteleaf Manzanita toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Whiteleaf Manzanita as toxic to livestock.

Is Whiteleaf Manzanita HOA-friendly?

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

Whiteleaf Manzanita

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Arctostaphylos manzanita

Last reviewed: September 2026

Arctostaphylos manzanita is an evergreen shrub with smooth reddish bark and small urn-shaped white to pink flowers blooming February through April in full sun and dry, well drained soils common in California chaparral and foothill woodlands.

Whiteleaf Manzanita (Arctostaphylos manzanita) 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 Whiteleaf Manzanita as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

36"–180" H × 36"–180" W

Bloom

Feb, Mar, Apr

Native to

Pollinators

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley

Whiteleaf Manzanita is a striking evergreen shrub with distinctive white-gray foliage and reddish-brown bark that peels in thin layers. It produces clusters of small, urn-shaped white to pink flowers in late winter through spring, followed by red berries that mature to brown.

Growing Whiteleaf Manzanita

Grow Whiteleaf Manzanita in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 36 to 180 inches tall and spread 36 to 180 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Whiteleaf Manzanita is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

Can grow quite large if not pruned
May look too informal for highly manicured neighborhoods
Fire risk if not properly maintained in dry areas

Wildlife value

The flowers provide valuable nectar for bees and hummingbirds during late winter when few other plants are blooming. The berries are eaten by birds and small mammals.

Common questions

When does Whiteleaf Manzanita bloom?: Whiteleaf Manzanita typically flowers from February through April, producing clusters of small urn-shaped white to pale pink blossoms before the dry summer months set in.
What pollinates Whiteleaf Manzanita?: Bees and hummingbirds are the primary visitors to Whiteleaf Manzanita flowers, drawn to the nectar produced during its late winter to early spring bloom.
How much water does Whiteleaf Manzanita need?: This shrub is adapted to low water conditions and generally needs little to no irrigation once established, though it can handle occasional moderate watering in well drained soil.
What light conditions does Whiteleaf Manzanita prefer?: Whiteleaf Manzanita grows best in full sun but can tolerate part sun or partial shade, particularly in hotter inland locations.
Is Whiteleaf Manzanita toxic to dogs?: Whiteleaf Manzanita is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Whiteleaf Manzanita toxic to cats?: Whiteleaf Manzanita is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Whiteleaf Manzanita toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Whiteleaf Manzanita as toxic to livestock.
Is Whiteleaf Manzanita HOA-friendly?: Whiteleaf Manzanita is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate 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

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

Ready to grow Whiteleaf Manzanita? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz