The common manzanita (Arctostaphylos manzanita) is a large evergreen shrub or small tree in the heath family (Ericaceae). The genus name Arctostaphylos is from the Greek arktos (“bear”) and staphyle (“bunch of grapes”), referring to the fondness of bears for the fruit. The Spanish common name manzanita means “little apple,” describing the resemblance of the red berries to miniature apples.

Native to California and southern Oregon, it is one of the most widespread species of manzanita, thriving in chaparral, oak woodland, and forest margins. The plant is recognized for its smooth red bark, twisted branches, and clusters of small urn-shaped white to pink flowers that develop into berry-like drupes.

For Indigenous peoples of California, such as the Miwok, Pomo, and Ohlone, the fruits of A. manzanita were an important traditional food. The berries were eaten raw, dried and ground into meal, or steeped in water to make a lightly fermented cider-like drink. Seeds were sometimes roasted and pounded into flour. The leaves and bark were also used in traditional medicine for their astringent and antimicrobial properties. Today, common manzanita berries are occasionally foraged for use in herbal teas, syrups, and small-batch craft beverages.