Origin and Common Names
Arctostaphylos viscida Parry ssp. mariposa (Dudley) P.V. Wells, also known as sticky whiteleaf manzanita, is a subspecies of the Arctostaphylos viscida plant species. It is endemic to California, specifically in the southern Sierra Nevada foothills and the Tehachapi Mountains. The common names include whiteleaf manzanita, Mariposa manzanita, and stickyleaf manzanita.
Appearance
Sticky whiteleaf manzanita is a shrub that can grow around three to ten feet tall and six to ten feet wide. It has a thick and rough bark that varies from reddish to brownish color. The leaves are dark green and glossy on the upper part, while the bottom part is sticky and white, with a shape that is oblong to oval, around one to two inches long and half-inch wide. The plant's flowers are pinkish-white and appear in clusters, while its fruits are roundish, red to a bluish-black berry with a diameter of around half an inch.
Uses
The indigenous people of California used various parts of the manzanita plant for medicinal purposes, such as making infusions to treat stomach aches, fevers, and colds. They also used the plant's branches to make tools and utensils, while the berries served as food. Some people use whiteleaf manzanita as an ornamental garden plant or as a habitat restoration plant. It is also suitable for erosion control and is resistant to pests and fire.
Light Requirements
The Arctostaphylos viscida Parry ssp. mariposa (Dudley) P.V. Wells plant requires full sunlight exposure to thrive. They cannot tolerate shade and require direct exposure to sunlight throughout the day. It is recommended to plant them where they can receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. If not provided with enough sunlight, the plant may show signs of poor growth and development or die out entirely.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can survive in a variety of temperature conditions. However, it thrives best in moderate temperatures ranging from 50-80°F (10-27°C). They can withstand extreme temperatures as well, but it impacts their growth and development. High temperatures above 90°F (32°C) can scorch the leaves, causing them to dry up and fall off. Similarly, exposure to low temperatures below 20°F (-7°C) might damage their leaves and stems.
Soil Requirements
The Arctostaphylos viscida Parry ssp. mariposa (Dudley) P.V. Wells plant thrives in well-draining soil that has a sandy or rocky texture. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH ranging from 5.5-6.5. They cannot tolerate waterlogged soil, which can harm the roots and lead to plant death. It is advisable to plant the shrub in raised beds or containers with drainage holes if the soil is clay-based. Adding organic matter like compost to the soil before planting improves soil fertility and aids in moisture retention.
Cultivation Methods
Arctostaphylos viscida Parry ssp. mariposa (Dudley) P.V. Wells is a native plant of California, and it thrives in open woodlands or along the margins of chaparral. If you want to grow this plant, it's best to mimic its natural setting. Choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sun, but also has some shade. The soil should be well-draining, with a sandy or loamy texture.
Watering Needs
This plant is drought-tolerant, but it will require some watering, especially during the hot and dry summer months. Water the plant deeply once a week, rather than giving it frequent, shallow watering. This will encourage the plant's roots to grow deeply and become more resilient. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Arctostaphylos viscida Parry ssp. mariposa (Dudley) P.V. Wells does not require regular fertilization, as it is adapted to low-nutrient soils. However, you can give it a boost of nutrition in the spring by applying a slow-release fertilizer or a compost tea. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as this can promote excessive growth and reduce the plant's resistance to pests and diseases.
Pruning
This plant does not require frequent pruning, but it may benefit from occasional shaping or thinning out. You can prune the plant in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. Remove any dead or diseased branches, and cut back any branches that are crowding each other or growing in awkward directions. Avoid pruning too much at once, as this can stress the plant and reduce its vigor.
Propagation of Arctostaphylos viscida Parry ssp. mariposa
In general, Arctostaphylos viscida Parry ssp. mariposa is a slow-growing plant that can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or layering. The following methods will help you propagate this plant:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Arctostaphylos viscida Parry ssp. mariposa can be collected from the plant when they are ripe and sown in a well-draining, sandy soil mix. It is important to note that seeds require a period of stratification before they will germinate. This can be achieved by storing the seeds in a refrigerator for a few weeks prior to planting. Seeds should be planted just below the surface of the soil and kept moist until they germinate.
Cutting Propagation
Cuttings of Arctostaphylos viscida Parry ssp. mariposa can be taken in the summer from new growth. These cuttings should be taken from non-flowering stems and should be 4-6 inches long. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed and the cutting should be planted in a well-draining soil mix. Bottom heat can be applied to encourage root growth and cuttings should be kept moist until they root.
Layering Propagation
Layering is another method of propagation for Arctostaphylos viscida Parry ssp. mariposa. This involves bending a stem down to the ground, covering it with soil, and securing it in place. Roots will grow from the covered stem and when they are well established, the stem can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted.
Disease Management
The plant Arctostaphylos viscida Parry ssp. mariposa (Dudley) P.V. Wells is usually quite resistant to diseases. However, there are a few conditions and pathogens that can affect the plant. Here are some common diseases that may affect this plant and ways to manage them:
- Phytophthora root rot: This is a soil-borne disease. The roots become infected and are not able to absorb water and nutrients efficiently. Plants may show signs of wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. The best way to manage this disease is by planting the Arctostaphylos viscida Parry ssp. mariposa (Dudley) P.V. Wells in well-draining soil and avoiding over-irrigation or waterlogging. Another strategy is to remove any infected plants and disinfect the soil before planting again.
- Fungal leaf spot: This is a common foliar disease that causes circular or irregular spots on the leaves, sometimes with a halo. The spots may join together and cause defoliation. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and avoid overhead irrigation. Fungicidal sprays may also be used as a preventative measure.
- Armillaria root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. The plant may show signs of slow growth, yellowing and wilting, and the foliage may become sparse. There may also be a white fungal growth near the base of the trunk. The best management strategy for this disease is to remove any infected plants and roots. Be sure to sterilize any gardening tools and equipment used to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Several pests may affect the Arctostaphylos viscida Parry ssp. mariposa (Dudley) P.V. Wells. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
- Spider mites: These tiny insects feed on plant sap and cause stippling on the leaves. To manage this pest, keep the plant well-watered and increase humidity around the plant. Natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewing larvae may also help control infestations. Insecticidal soaps or oils can be used as a last resort.
- Scale insects: These pests attach themselves to the leaves and stems and feed on plant sap. They cause weakened growth, yellowing, and dropping of the foliage. To manage scale insects, prune affected parts of the plant and use a horticultural oil or soap. Natural predators such as ladybugs may also be helpful.
- Caterpillars: These pests can defoliate the plant and cause stunted growth. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand and use a Bacillus thuringiensis spray as a preventative measure.
Regular monitoring of the Arctostaphylos viscida Parry ssp. mariposa (Dudley) P.V. Wells is key to early detection and management of any pests or diseases that may affect the plant. Prompt management of any issue helps keep the plant healthy and thriving.
