5 Seeds Arctostaphylos pungens Mexican Manzanita Evergreen Shrub

Seeds: Arctostaphylos pungens, commonly known as Mexican manzanita or pointleaf manzanita, is a hardy evergreen shrub prized for its smooth, reddish-brown bark, twisting branches, and clusters of small, urn-shaped white to pink flowers in late winter to early spring. These seeds offer an excellent opportunity to grow a distinctive, drought-tolerant native plant that adds year-round structure and subtle wildlife appeal to a xeriscape, rock garden, or naturalized woodland setting.
The species naturally forms a dense, mounding habit, reaching 3 to 8 feet tall and wide, with small, rounded leaves and attractive, edible (though mealy) berries that mature in summer. Use it as a low-maintenance specimen, an informal hedge, or an erosion-control plant on slopes; it thrives in well-drained, sandy or rocky soils and full sun to light shade. Germination requires cold stratification to mimic winter conditions, followed by warm, moist sowing; patience is key, as seedlings establish slowly but are long-lived once settled.
Species: Arctostaphylos pungens
Variety: Mexican manzanita
Type: Evergreen shrub
Plant_Habit: Upright, mounding
Sun: Full sun to light shade
Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky, acidic to neutral
Days_to_Harvest: Not applicable
Zones: 6-9
Germination: Cold stratify 60-90 days, then sow at 60-70°F
Sowing: Surface sow on moist medium, light required
Spacing: 4-6 feet apart
Notes: Drought-tolerant; avoid overwatering after establishment