1. * Otay Manzanita – Arctostaphylos otayensis (ark-toh-STAF-ih-los
oh-tay-EN-sis)
Family: Ericaceae (Heath Family)
Endemic to the mountains of s. San Diego County (e.g., Guatay, Jamul, Otay) and
surrounding areas of Riverside Co. & Baja; volcanic rock outcrops, in chaparral and woodland,
Elevation: 1500-5200'. Plant is rare in the wilds.
Native to:
woody shrub
mature height: 5-15 ft. mature width: 4-8 ft. Large,
evergreen woody shrub or small tree. Form is upright (usually) dense with open branches – can be
pruned to a small tree. Foliage gray-green with tiny hairs. Shreddy bark red-brown aging to gray.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in winter to early spring. Flowers are light to medium pink, small and urnshaped (typical of the genus). The flower clusters are very dense, making this a very showy plant in
bloom. Fruits relatively large (to ½ inch), red-brown when ripe in summer. Fruits very showy.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Often used as a background shrub in a woodland or chaparral garden. Fine also
for an informal large hedge. Very hardy, so does well on hot, dry slopes.
jelly/syrup or ‘Manzanita cider’.
Edible fruits make good
Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubs such as camellia, privet and Xylosma.
Attracts: Excellent hummingbird plant; fruit-eating birds and critters love the fruits.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun best; can take a little shade.
Rocky soil best, but OK with even well-drained clays; mildly acidic (pH 6.0-7.0)
Occasional water (Zone 1-2 probably best but up to 2); water once in August
None
Pine needle mulch to decrease pH.
Low maintenance. Prune in dry weather to remove dead branches.
pruners between cuts to prevent spread of fungal disease.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: difficult; heat & cold treat
Sterilize
by cuttings: semi-soft wood in fall
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 13 (seed), 14
11/30/11
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