Ornithostaphylos is a monotypic plant genus which contains the single species Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia, the Baja birdbush or Baja California birdbush. It is a member of the Heath family (Ericaceae), and it shares many characteristics with other members of this family such as the manzanitas and summer holly. This is a very rare shrub native to only one population very near the border in coastal San Diego County, where it is threatened by border enforcement activities. It is reportedly more common in northern Baja California but also threatened by expanding urbanization there. It is considered rare due to these threats and its extremely limited distribution. Where it exists in the wild, it is found in chaparral below 4,000 ft. However, it has been in garden cultivation since the 1960's. This bush has long, narrow, leathery evergreen leaves with edges rolled under. The bark on the branches is thin and the younger branches and twigs are reddish in color. Older plants develop a basal burl from which it will resprout after fire or branch dieback. Although it is very drought tolerant, it does well with some summer water. The bush bears rounded, lantern-shaped white flowers on drooping pedicels. Though not widely available, it is a beautiful plant that should be used more often.