Parts Most Frequently Used: Berries are edible, Leaves (both green and grey varietals), Bark

Flavors: Astringent, Cold, Dry

Caution: Pregnancy and overuse can cause stomach upset, due to high tannin levels.

History/Folklore: Name comes from the Spanish for “little apple.” Used as early as the 13th century by Native Americans for food and smoking. The bark is very difficult to cure, so it is seldom used as timber. Some furniture will use whole branches to prevent cracking and preserve deep red color. The dead wood decays slowly and can last for many years, both on and off the plant. Branches are often used as perches for pet parrots and other large birds. Unlike other woods, manzanita wood does not leach out tannins in water, which makes it an excellent decorative wood for aquariums. Although it is an excellent wood to burn since it retains heat for long periods, it can crack stoves and thin-walled barbecues.