Plant Of The Month

Manzanitas of California

Manzanita is the common name for the genus Arctostaphylos. There are more than forty species of Arctostaphylos in California not to mention all the subspecies and hybrids. Species grow from two inches (some of the coastal species) to twenty feet (many interior species). Manzanitas are popular for their shiny red or mahogany colored bark. Manzanitas have urn-shaped flowers that vary from pink to white and are popular with hummingbirds. They are very drought tolerant and evergreen, always looking green and healthy even in the hottest, driest part of the summer. Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp) is of the family Ericaceae. Plants in this family are highly mycorrhizal (associated with symbiotic fungi). This allows them to survive in many harsh environments, however it also makes them very susceptible to over watering and fertilizing. They really do no like to be watered or fertilized. If grown correctly these plants, especially the larger forms, will grow for more than 100 years. Manzanitas are great wildlife plants. Providing nectar for butterflies, hummingbirds and native insects (they're cool!).

Manzanitas are now in bloom. (End of January & February) Look for them out on your hikes, or even in your savy gardener's neighbor's yard. They are always stunning with the beautiful flowers contrased against the showy bark.