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MANZANITA (Arctostaphylos - species)
Other names: none other than manzanita

POOR

There are many species of the genus Arctostaphylos. Some grow to tree size of 10 to 12 ins. diameter and 15 to 20 feet tall. Manzanita is not a tree but it was marked by the original surveyors as a bearing tree. Some specie of manzanita is found in most of the western states. The larger types are common in southwestern Oregon and in California. It grows in poor soils, in dense thickets, and is susceptible to fire. The wood is very hard and brittle, with a reddish brown, smooth bark. 

Very few original manzanita bearing trees have been recovered. Only the larger, mature stems were marked and they decayed quickly from the injury caused by blazing. When found the manzanita is usually dead and decayed, very difficult
to identify in the dense thickets. Careful search must be made to prevent overlooking the original bearing tree.

Manzanita is not recommended as a corner accessory. If nothing else is available. use bark scribing on the best developed and straighter stem. Paint thorough. Use a mound of stone as an additional accessory.