Whiteleaf Manzanita
Arctostaphylos manzanita
Last reviewed: July 2026
Whiteleaf Manzanita is a drought-tolerant evergreen shrub native to California that produces clusters of white to pink flowers from February through April. This hardy plant thrives in full sun and attracts bees and hummingbirds.
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
CA
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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 blooms from February through April, producing small white to pink bell-shaped flowers in clusters.
- What pollinators visit Arctostaphylos manzanita?
- Whiteleaf Manzanita attracts both bees and hummingbirds. The nectar-rich flowers provide an important early season food source for these pollinators.
- Where is Whiteleaf Manzanita native?
- Arctostaphylos manzanita is native to California, where it grows naturally in chaparral and woodland habitats throughout much of the state.
- How much water does Whiteleaf Manzanita need?
- This drought-tolerant shrub requires very little water once established and is well-adapted to California's dry climate conditions.
- 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.
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 Whiteleaf 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