Will Manzanita Grow in the Shade?

Species

• There are many Manzanita species, including the hairy Manzanita that is native to northern California. The common appearance of the Manzanita is of a woody, evergreen shrub with twisted reddish colored branches and silver to green colored foliage. Manzanita can take the form of prostrate ground covers, shrubs, large shrubs and trees, the California Plant Society reports. White and pink flowers are commonly found on the Manzanita between the winter and spring seasons.

Location

• The placement of the Manzanita plant for growth and survival is important, although the plant is hardy and can cope in both full sun and shaded conditions. The plant prefers full sun and partial shade conditions for optimum growth and survival, according to the California Plant Society. The Manzanita species is a hardy plant that can tolerate most conditions, including rocky soil and drought conditions. But the plant grows best when is positioned in well drained, acidic soil and positioned in a southern or western position on a slope.

Fruits

• When located in a favorable position, the Manzanita produces berry-like fruits that immediately follow the growing season of white and pink flowers. The fruit is not regarded as an adequate food source for animals used for agricultural uses, such as cattle, sheep, domestic goats, horses and mule deer, the U.S. Forestry Service reports. However, the fruit are eaten by wild animals, including foxes, coyotes and birds.

Uses

• Manzanita shrubs, plants and trees are used as flood control plants in the state of California. They are also used as privacy screens for residential and commercial purposes. The plant can grow in a variety of locations, including in natural habitats of woodland, chaparral and forests. The marisopa species of Manzanita grows in its natural habitat in close proximity to the ponderosa pine, gray pine, blue oak and Douglas fir, according to the U.S. Forestry Service.