Manzanita (Arctostaphylos pungens)

[milehigh_7]

As it turns out, Nevada has three species of manzanita that are native and Arctostaphylos pungens is one. As tempting as it is to run out and dig one up, I won't be doing that just yet.

Among other things, I have been watching some awesome videos that are available online and one that applies here is Walter Pall's video's on collecting.

Part 1:
http://walter-pall-videos.blogspot.com/2010/11/wp-about-collecting-from-wild-part-1.html

Part 2:
http://walter-pall-videos.blogspot.com/2010/11/wp-about-collecting-from-wild-part-ii.html

So long way to say I purchased some of this species that have been nursery grown, not collected to hone my skills on.

I would love advice on their care of anyone has some to give.

*Calling Greg Brenden*

 

[Smoke]

Our local nureseries carry about 7 species here. Those in the can from the nursery in no way behave like those taken from the wild.

It's like coyote bush. Great stuff when large and gnarly growing along side the road. It can be bought in gallon cans at the nursery and is rather tame, but try digging that gnarly one and all hell breaks loose.

 

[yenling83]

As it turns out, Nevada has three species of manzanita that are native and Arctostaphylos pungens is one. As tempting as it is to run out and dig one up, I won't be doing that just yet.

Among other things, I have been watching some awesome videos that are available online and one that applies here is Walter Pall's video's on collecting.

Part 1:
http://walter-pall-videos.blogspot.com/2010/11/wp-about-collecting-from-wild-part-1.html

Part 2:
http://walter-pall-videos.blogspot.com/2010/11/wp-about-collecting-from-wild-part-ii.html

So long way to say I purchased some of this species that have been nursery grown, not collected to hone my skills on.

I would love advice on their care of anyone has some to give.

*Calling Greg Brenden*

Greg wrote a really good article in Golden statments, I requested and recieved a copy of it from GSBF- you should do the same. Manzanita are difficult, but I strongly believe it can be done. The Roots are the diffcult part, they don't like to be disturbed. I also think growing them out from seed/cuttings and wiring movement early is another way we could see some amazing trees in 20+ years. This is what I've been doing, but don't have the time under my belt yet.

Greg's article says he's had success collecting Manzanita off of rocks where they are in situations that you can get the whole root system. Usually these trees grow on rocks with a shallow pocket of dirt where you can scoop the tree up getting the whole shallow system.

Check out his article! Good luck!