Arctostaphylos andersonii - Manzanita

Description

A large, erect shrub about 8 feet tall, with smooth, dark red brown bark, and large grey, heart shaped leaves. Showy clusters of whitish pink flowers appear in January. It needs well drained soil, and in very hot areas benefits from protection from the afternoon sun and occasional summer water. A rare species found in the Santa Cruz and Santa Lucia Mountains.