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San Diego Ambrosia

Ambrosia pumila

Ambrosia pumila is a rare species in the Asteraceae (Sunflower) family known by the common names San Diego Ambrosia and San Diego Ragweed. It is native to a very limited area in far southern California and Baja California where it grows in a variety of habitats along the coastal strip, inland valleys and foothills at elevations below 2,000 ft. This is a perennial herb not exceeding half a meter in height. The leaves are gray-green, fuzzy, and divided into numerous minute lobes to give a feathery appearance. They are up to 13 centimeters long, not counting the winged petioles. The flower cluster is tipped with staminate (male) flower heads above several larger pistillate (female) heads. The pistillate heads each yield usually one fruit, which is a fuzzy burr only a few millimeters wide with short, soft spines. However, it rarely produces viable seed, usually spreading by its rhizome, forming clonal groupings. It is adapted to dry habitat, but only on upper floodplain fringes, or adjoining depressions containing vernal pools or similar structures. It is a plant of open habitat and is not tolerant of heavy shade. If not given supplemental summer water it will become deciduous but will come back from the rhizome after winter rain. This is not an easy plant to find and infrequently used in residential gardens. It is important for restoration projects in areas of appropriate habitat, and it may be useful in gardens seeking to specialize in rare plants of southern California.

Howard McMinn Manzanita

Arctostaphylos 'Howard McMinn'

Howard McMinn Manzanita (Arctostaphylos 'Howard McMinn') is an evergreen shrub in the Heath family (Ericaceae). One of the last manzanitas to bloom, this medium-sized, fine-textured shrub has small leaves and tiny pink flowers that appear in late winter through spring. As it matures it will open up and reveal more of it's twisting, red colored branches.

It is a popular choice for gardens due to its tolerance for different soils, summer watering, pruning, and shearing. Combine with other species of manzanitas for a long bloom season. Howard McMinn is tolerant of different types of soils, however, waterlogged soils should be avoided. Stop irrigating after it is established; generally after one or two years. Extra irrigation in summer will result in a short-lived shrub. Prune in fall to remove dead or dying wood, or to improve the shape. Howard McMinn takes shearing well and can be used for a hedge. Plant in full sun in coastal sites, and sun or part shade if planted inland. Although manzanitas are naturally found in chaparral or open woodlands, this cultivar is one of the most tolerant of garden conditions.


Moths, hummingbirds, butterflies are attracted to the flowers, and animals eat the berries. Deer may eat the berries but generally leave the plant alone. The fruits are also edible for people. Traditionally they were dried and ground for a type of granulated sugar. They were also used to make cider. Manzanita is spanish for little apple, and the fruits do indeed resemble little apples.

Bert Johnson Little Sur Manzanita

Arctostaphylos edmundsii 'Bert Johnson'

Horticultural selection from Arctostaphylos edmundsii. Arctstaphylos edmunsii 'Bert Johnson' originates from the Tilden Botanic Garden, and is a special selection from A. edmunsii manzanitas growing in the county of Monterey, California. A. Bert Johnson is a low growing manzanita that forms a nearly perfect mat, standing less than 1 foot high but spreading 6 feet. This manzanita makes an excellent ground cover and is equally attractive spilling over walls or boulders. Bert Johnson's cascading habit allows it to thrive on hillsides; its low branches root as they spread, helping to keep the soil in place and erosion under control. Bert Johnson manzanita is also known by the name Bronze Mat manzanita, owing to the fact that the new growth on this plant is tinged a delicate bronze color. The densely clustered leaves are small on this manzanita, and a dark gray-green color, giving the plant a sophisticated appearance reminiscent of boxwood. In late winter and spring, A. Bert Johnson is covered in pink-tinged white flowers, and is beloved by butterflies and hummingbirds. A. Bert Johnson would like full sun in coastal conditions, but might benefit from a little afternoon shade in very hot inland areas. This plant prefers well-drained soil, enjoying occasional summer watering to look its best but ultimately remaining staunchly drought tolerant. A great choice for a native groundcover. Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Introduced by Tilden Botanic Garden.

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