Arctstaphylos insularis * Island Manzanita

Arctostaphylos insularis is a big manzanita. The Island Manzanita grows to 10-15 feet tall and wide. Manzanitas do poorly when severely pruned. Best to plant Archtostaphylos insularis where it can grow to its full size. The Island Manzanita grows in full sun at the coast and in near coastal valleys. Arctostaphylos insularis prefers well drained soils and requires a drying out period between irrigation cycles. The Island Manzanita will tolerate partial shade. Manzanita berries feed the birds and wildlife during the late Spring months. With heavier soils I try to plant Arctostaphylos insularis on a slope or on a raised mound or bed. Arctostaphylos insularis is a host plant for the Western Tussock Moth Caterpillar and is often visited by Monarchs, California Dogface, and Cloudless Sulfur Butterflies looking for nectar when the white bell shaped flowers are blooming late Fall through Early Spring. Manzanitas suffer from fungal dieback. Proper sanitation is important not to spread the problem with your tools.

Other plants from the Arctostaphylos genus featured on this site:
Arctostaphylos edmundsii Danville
Arctostaphylos edmundsii Little Sur
Arctostaphylos Howard McMinn
Arctostaphylos John Dourley
Arctostaphylos Lester Rowntree
Arctostaphylos Pacific Mist