Arctostaphylos hookeri ssp. hearstiorum

Botanical Name: Arctostaphylos hookeri ssp. hearstiorum
Common Name: Hearst's Manzanita

A very attractive low growing manzanita good for coastal gardens. It will root at nodes where it touches ground. Known from only 5 occurrences in the Arroyo de la Cruz area near Hearst's Castle. Threatened by grazing.

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Plant Family: Ericaceae

Plant Type: Groundcover

Height by Width: 3-6in. H x 3-6' W

Growth Habit: Low, mat-forming

Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen

Growth Rate: Slow

Sun Exposure: Coast: full sun; Inland: part shade

Soil Preference: Well-draining

Water Requirements: Infrequent to moderate

Cold Hardy to:

Flower Season: Winter/Spring

Flower Color: Light pink

Endangered?: List 1B/RED 3-2-3

Distribution: Central Coast, Arroyo de la Cruz, San Simeon

Natural Habitat: Sandy terraces, coastal bluffs

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Care and Maintenance

• With proper placement, manzanitas require little maintenance. Selectively prune to remove dead branches or to reveal structure. Avoid unnecessary pruning. Manzanitas are prone to branch die-back, caused by a naturally occurring fungal pathogen. When removing dead branches, sterilize pruning shears with alcohol between cuts to prevent the spread of the disease.

History

Other Names

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