Plant Data Sheet: Hairy manzanita Arctostaphylos columbiana
Range
Hairy manzanita is found along the
Local occurrence
This plant is occasionally found on the western slopes of
the
Climate,
elevation
Hairy mazanita grows at elevations
up to 2,500 feet in
Habitat preferences
Hairy manzanita is typically found in rocky areas and steep slopes. It prefers full sun, well-drained, acidic soil, and a southern or western exposure. It is highly drought tolerant (1,3).
Plant strategy type/successional stage
Often a primary or secondary colonizer of disturbed plant
communities, hairy manzanita is commonly found in post-logging
plant communities. Once established in such a situation, it will persist after
forest establishment if the canopy is not too dense (1).
Associated species
Hairy manzanita is often found
with other ericaceous plants such as huckleberry, salal
and Pacific madrone.
Other common species include Oregon grape (Mahonia spp.),
snowbrush (Ceanothus
spp.), vine maple (Acer circinatum), beargrass
(Xerophyllum tenax),
various penstemon species,
May be
collected as: (seed, layered, divisions, etc.)
Hairy manzanita may be propagated
by seed, cuttings, layering, or salvaging.
The fruit is small, 1/4 - 1/2 inches in diameter, and is smooth and
red. It begins to ripen in late June and
may stay on the plant until the following spring (1).
Collection restrictions or
guidelines
Cuttings are best collected in March, September, October, or November (2).
Seed germination
Hairy manzanita requires fire to
break seed dormancy and maximize germination. This can be simulated with a hot
water bath. The procedure for a hot water bath is as follows: Boil 3-6 cups of
water for every cup of seeds. Avoid using an aluminum pan or softened water, as
either might introduce toxic chemicals to the seeds. After the water reaches
boiling, let it cool for a minute or two. Pour the seeds into the water and let
them sit at room temperature for 24 hours. The seeds may still need to over-winter
or be cold-stratified before they will germinate (5). Other suggested methods include soaking dried seed in boiling water for 10 - 20 seconds or exposing
to smoke and then stratifying at 2 - 5°c for 2 months. The seeds will germinate in 2 - 3 months at
15°c (4).
Seed life
Information on seed life is not available.
Recommended seed storage
conditions
Information on seed storage conditions is not available.
Propagation recommendations
Recommended propagation is through basal cuttings (from the area close to the previous year’s wood, or the base of a long juvenile stem). The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone. Stimroot #3 IBA is recommended. They can then be rooted in 1:1 perlite/peat moss media with bottom heat (2).
Soil or medium requirements
Cuttings should be propagated in a perlite/peat
mixture (see above).
Installation form
Installation of plugs or containerized individuals is
recommended.
Recommended planting density
Shrubs should be installed 3-5 feet on center, depending on
desired density and expected mortality (3).
Care requirements after
installation
While hairy manzanita is highly
drought resistant, supplemental water after installation increases plant
survival and establishment.
Normal rate of growth or
spread; lifespan
Hairy manzanita grows quickly and
can reach several feet in height (1).
Sources cited
(1) Hansen, W. Native Plants of the Northwest: Hairy manzanita (Arctostaphylos columbiana). http://www.nwplants.com. Retrieved May 14, 2003 .
(2) Malaspina University-College Horticulture Department. Abstract on Native Plant Propagation Collaborative Study. http://www.mala.ca/horticulture/abstract.htm. Retrieved May 14, 2003.
(3) Plants for a Future. Arctostaphylos columbiana. http://gardenbed.com/A/448.cfm. Retrieved May 14, 2003.
(4) Sound Native
Plants. http://www.soundnativeplants.com.
Retrieved
(5)
Data compiled by (student
name and date)
Sarah Baker (