Manzanita literally means “little apple” in Spanish. This is a shrublike tree similar to a Madrone. There are 105 species and subspecies of Manzanita. The local species has smooth brown bark that peels off to reveal a green trunk and branches that darkens up to start the process all over again. The delicate pink flowers make way for small clusters of berries that are very sticky but edible. The leaves are light green, firm and spade shaped. I have seen numerous weird growths on the leaves.

The bark can be boiled to create a remedy for poison oak, or so they say….. I am not willing to risk an exposure.

They can live for hundreds of years and as they age they twist and turn and become entities from another world!

Description:

• Size: medium sized tree, shrubby but can get get to 20-60 feet

• Bark: smooth, red, outer bark will peel away revealing a yellow or gray inner layer

• Leaves: pale green, roundish leaves, 1.5-2 inches.

• Fruit: fleshy, red berry from delicate white-pink flowers.

“My kids have always liked to try eating Manzanita berries, but they would usually taste them too soon, before they were ripe.”

“I have been noticing these odd growths on many of the Manzanitas at my house, I have never noticed these before and will keep documenting them.”

“We had a huge Manzanita that was taller than my house and was right outside my bedroom window. I would wake up in the morning and stare at its branches and watch birds come and go. I would often find images in its branches, mostly faces. This phenomena is called Pareidolia, and it was an adventure every morning. Over the last 16 years the tree slowly started dying, branch by branch and we knew that one day we would have to cut it down. That day came last year, as the fire danger became too great. I really miss that tree, but I am consoled as parts of it went to a good home where it will live again as beautifully carved spoons and bowls. Other parts of it have kept us warm on cold winter nights. I am grateful we had it as long as we did.