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.