Arctostaphylos obispoensis

Common Names: serpentine manzanita, Bishop manzanita

Family: Ericaceae

Origin: California

Type: Evergreen shrub

Size: To 8 ft. high, 6 ft. wide.

Flowers: Small pink to white flowers in clusters, winter to spring; leaves are gray and fuzzy. Berries follow.

Uses: Screen, ornamental, accent, slope, erosion control, near oak trees. Fire resistive.

Wildlife: Flowers, pollen, and fruit for birds, bees, butterflies.
Deer resistant.

Soil: Should be well-drained, but tolerates poor soil as well if not overwatered.

Water: Little to moderate. Periodic deep watering is best.

Sun: Full sun or light shade.

Pruning: Pinch tips for denser bush. Remove detracting limbs for interesting open shape.

Pests & Diseases: Frequent overhead watering may contribute to fungus.

Notes: Native to the California chaparral and coastal scrub plant communities. Originally found north of San Luis Obispo, but is no longer found there. A rare plant. Water every 4 to 7 days first summer. Hardy to 10° F.