1. * Mt. Diablo Manzanita – Arctostaphylos auriculata (ark-toh-STAF-ih-los
aw-rik-yoo-LAY-tuh )
Family: Ericaceae (Heath Family)
Native to: Endemic to the western slopes of Mount Diablo, in Contra Costa County ( e San Francisco
Bay Area); occurs primarily in chamise or manzanita chaparral. It can also be found as an
understory shrub in coast live oak woodland, in sandstone-derived soils, elevation: 400'-2000'.
woody shrub
mature height: 3-10+ ft.
mature width: 3-10+ ft.
Evergreen woody shrub, erect/mounded, with gnarled branches. Slow growing. Leaves silvery to
gray-green, soft/hairy & clasping the stem. Foliage neat & dense – different, very attractive.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in winter/early spring. Flowers are small, light pink and urn-shaped typical
for manzantas. Profuse blooms contrast beautifully with foliage. Fruit hairy, small, ripe in summer.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most often used as a specimen plant for its lovely foliage.
Can be used as a
large background shrub to highlight darker foliage plants. Fine under tall trees with dappled sun.
Cultivar ‘Diablo Blush’ is 5-6' tall & wide, with all the characteristics of the species. ‘Knobcone
Point’ is a natural variant that is 6’ tall & wide that retains its close-set juvenile leaves, creating a
fish scale-like effect – unique!.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubs like privet, Raphiolepis, etc.
Excellent habitat plant: provides nectar (hummingbirds & insect pollinators) cover and
berries for food.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun (best along coast) to part-shade (hot inland gardens).
Any well-drained soil; slightly acidic best (6.0-7.5)
Best with occasional summer water (Zone 1-2 to 2); wash off leaves monthly in
summer to simulate fog.
None
Likes organic mulch – pine needles great!
Prune to shape when young (if desired). Remove dead branches in dry season,
sterilizing pruners between cuts. Quite low maintenance once established.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: difficult; heat & cold treatment
by cuttings: semi-soft wood in fall
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 13 (cultivars)
11/30/11
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