* Vine Hill Manzanita – Arctostaphylos densiflora (ark-toh-STAF-ih-los den-see-FLOR-uh) Family: Ericaceae (Heath Family) Native to: Outer Coastal Ranges of N. CA near Sonoma; grows locally on shale outcrops. Growth characteristics: woody shrub mature height : 3-6+ ft. mature width : 4-6+ ft. Evergreen woody shrub with a low mounding growth habit. Leaves are erect, elliptic, smooth and a shiny bright green. Branches become twisted with age – attractive and interesting. Trunks are red-brown with shedding bark. Moderate to rapid growth rate. Blooms/fruits: Blooms in early spring (Feb-Apr.). Flowers are typical for Manzanita, urn-shaped, 1/4 inch long, pinkish-white, in tight hanging clusters at the ends of twigs. Very showy. Fruit is small (1/4 inch) round, brick red, berry-like (resembles a tiny apple), maturing in summer and persistent. Uses in the garden: Most often used as a woody groundcover or small hedge (can even be sheared for formal hedge). Excellent addition to chaparral community garden. Does well on N and E-facing slopes. Great choice for under native oaks. Berries can be used to make a cider-like drink or for making jellies & syrups. Cultivars include: ‘Austin Griffiths’ (good in clay); ‘Harmony’ (easy even in clay); ‘Howard McMinn’ (good in gardens; long-lived); ‘Sentinel’ (taller; can be trained to tree-form). Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubs like Buxus (boxwood), Escallonia, Ligustrum (privet), Cotoneaster and Rhaphiolepis. Attracts: Excellent habitat plant. Nectar attracts native bees and hummingbirds. Berry-eating birds like Cedar Waxwings and Mockingbirds eat the fruit. Dense foliage provides cover, nest sites. Requirements: Element Requirement Sun Part-shade (afternoon shade) best except right on the coast. Soil Any, even clays (especially for cultivars); pH 5.5 to 8.0 Water Drought tolerant (Zone 1-2 to 2); occ. summer water. Takes some winter flooding. Fertilizer Use an organic mulch (bark or chipped wood). Other Management: Easy once established. Thrives on neglect – just don’t overwater. Can shear for hedge or when young to encourage dense foliage. Propagation: from seed : yes by cuttings : probably Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 24 1/28/11 * Native to CA but not to Western L.A. Co. © Project SOUND

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* Vine Hill Manzanita – Arctostaphylos densiflora (ark-toh-STAF-ih-los den-see-FLOR-uh)

Family: Ericaceae (Heath Family)

Native to: Outer Coastal Ranges of N. CA near Sonoma; grows locally on shale outcrops.

Growth characteristics: woody shrub mature height: 3-6+ ft. mature width: 4-6+ ft. Evergreen woody shrub with a low mounding growth habit. Leaves are erect, elliptic, smooth and a shiny

bright green. Branches become twisted with age – attractive and interesting. Trunks are red-brown with shedding bark. Moderate to rapid growth rate.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms in early spring (Feb-Apr.). Flowers are typical for Manzanita, urn-shaped, 1/4

inch long, pinkish-white, in tight hanging clusters at the ends of twigs. Very showy. Fruit is small (1/4 inch) round, brick red, berry-like (resembles a tiny apple), maturing in summer and persistent.

Uses in the garden: Most often used as a woody groundcover or small hedge (can even be sheared for

formal hedge). Excellent addition to chaparral community garden. Does well on N and E-facing slopes. Great choice for under native oaks. Berries can be used to make a cider-like drink or for making jellies & syrups. Cultivars include: ‘Austin Griffiths’ (good in clay); ‘Harmony’ (easy even in clay); ‘Howard McMinn’

(good in gardens; long-lived); ‘Sentinel’ (taller; can be trained to tree-form).

Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubs like Buxus (boxwood), Escallonia, Ligustrum (privet),

Cotoneaster and Rhaphiolepis.

Attracts: Excellent habitat plant. Nectar attracts native bees and hummingbirds. Berry-eating birds like

Cedar Waxwings and Mockingbirds eat the fruit. Dense foliage provides cover, nest sites.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Part-shade (afternoon shade) best except right on the coast.

Soil Any, even clays (especially for cultivars); pH 5.5 to 8.0

Water Drought tolerant (Zone 1-2 to 2); occ. summer water. Takes some winter flooding.

Fertilizer Use an organic mulch (bark or chipped wood).

Other