White Fir (Abies concolor) is a member of the Pinaceae (Pine) family native to the mountains of western North America, occurring at altitudes of 900-3,400 meter. In California it is quite common in the Sierras and North Coast Range, with scattered locations in the mountains of southern California. It is a medium to large evergreen coniferous tree growing to 25-60 meters tall and with a trunk diameter of up to 2 meters. The leaves are needle-like, flattened, 2.5-6 centimeter long and 2 millimeter wide by 0.5-1 millimeter thick, green to waxy pale blue-green above, and with two waxy pale blue-white bands of stomata below, and slightly notched to bluntly pointed at the tip. The leaf arrangement is spiral on the shoot, but with each leaf variably twisted at the base so they all lie in either two more-or-less flat ranks on either side of the shoot, or upswept across the top of the shoot but not below the shoot. The cones are 6-12 centimeter long and 4-4.5 centimeter broad, green or purple ripening pale brown, with about 100-150 scales; the scale leafs are short, and hidden in the closed cone. The winged seeds are released when the cones disintegrate at maturity about 6 months after pollination. This plant prefers higher elevations and cold winters; it needs extra care if grown outside its native range.

Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to the Pacific Coast and parts of inland California. It provides dense summer shade and brilliant fall color in colder regions. Its signature feature is its massive, lobed leaves, which can grow nearly two feet across.

This tree thrives with moisture and adapts to various soils, though it prefers good drainage. While it can grow too large for small gardens, it is well-suited to natural landscapes. Pruning should be done in winter.

Bigleaf maple supports wildlife by providing food for birds, small mammals, and mule deer, while its leaves sustain numerous insects.

Box elder (Acer negundo), sometimes called boxelder, is a type of maple tree commonly found growing in moist areas near streams and rivers. Box elder is a deciduous tree with pinnate compound leaves (small leaflets that branch out of a single stem). The leaves turn yellow in the fall. Clusters of small flowers appear in spring. The flowers on female trees develop winged fruits called samaras. The flowers attract pollinators and the seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.

Box elder is an attractive tree that provides shade and visual interest in the landscape. Some gardeners prefer male box elders because they are less messy than female trees. Gardeners should also be aware that this tree sends out suckers which can become weedy and invasive. This fast-growing tree needs a large planting area as it can reach over 50 ft tall - and nearly as wide - when mature. It also requires a moderate to high level of moisture, including weekly supplemental irrigation in summer.

Box elder gets its name from its wood, which is used to make boxes and crates. The wood pulp is used in paper making. Like other maples, the tree's sweet sap can be cooked into a syrup.

Yarrow is an all-star, popular plant choice among California native gardeners, including beginners! It is durable and easy to grow in a wide range of soil types and has low moisture requirements. It reseeds and spreads quickly, making it a good groundcover plant for lawn replacement.

Yarrow's abundant white flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other insects. It is a staple in native pollinator gardens throughout the state. Yarrow has many alternative common names, including soldier's woundwort and nosebleed plant. They reflect its long history as an important medicinal plant.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Horticultural selection from Achillea millefolium from the northern Channel Islands. Achillea millefolium 'Island Pink' is a perennial Yarrow that spreads by rhizomes. Island Pink is native to Santa Cruz Island and is distinguished from our common White Yarrow by its bright pink flowers. Dark green foliage is topped with clusters of bright pink flowers on 1-1/2' tall stems, over a long season. Best in full sun if coastal, part shade inland. Tolerant of drought, swamp and alkali conditions, or rocky to clay soils. This is a nectar plant for butterflies and other pollinators. Plant in meadows, or flower borders for a splash of color.

Good habitat value, providing nectar for bees and butterflies. The foliage is deer resistant. Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden from sonoma Co. near Windy Ridge above Mattole River.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Alnus incana (Grey or Speckled Alder) is a species in the Betulaceae (Birch) family with a wide range across the cooler parts of the Northern Hemisphere. In California it is found primarily in the Sierras. It is a small to medium size tree 15-20 meter tall with smooth grey bark even in old age, its life span being a maximum of 60-100 years. The leaves are matte green, ovoid, 5-11 centimeter long and 4-8 centimeter broad. The flowers are catkins, appearing early in spring before the leaves emerge, the male catkins pendulous and 5-10 centimeter long, the female catkins 1.5 centimeter long and one centimeter broad when mature in late autumn. The seeds are small, 1-2 millimeter long, and light brown with a narrow encircling wing. The Grey Alder has a shallow root system, and is marked not only by vigorous production of stump suckers, but also by root suckers, especially in the northern parts of its range. The wood resembles that of the black alder, but is somewhat paler and of little commercial value.

Mountain Alder (Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia) is a native tree or shrub that grows in northern, southern and central California. It is fast growing and moderately long-lived. It grows in an upright form to a height of 20 feet, with active growth during the spring and summer. Flowers are purple and bloom in the early spring. Leaves are dark green and deciduous. It tends to grow in wet places, at elevations from 4500-8000 feet.

White alder (Alnus rhombifolia) is a fast-growing deciduous tree in the birch family (Betulaceae), native to western North America at elevations of 300–7,900 feet. It thrives in moist soils, often found along streambanks and other wet areas.

This tree provides excellent shade, with dark green leaves in summer that drop in winter. In early spring, before the leaves emerge, white alder produces noticeable male catkins, which hang in clusters and release large amounts of pollen. The female catkins mature in autumn, resembling small cones that may persist on the tree for up to a year.

White alder is heat and wind tolerant but requires deep watering to establish. Its roots can be invasive, so it should be planted with caution, especially near structures or small residential gardens. However, it is an excellent choice for woodland plantings and riparian areas.

This tree has high wildlife value. It serves as a larval food plant for the Western Tiger Swallowtail butterfly and provides habitat and food for various bird species.

Alnus rubra (red alder) is a deciduous broadleaf tree in the Betulaceae (Birch) family native to western North America. In California it is found primarily along the coast from San Luis Obispo County northward. In southern california Alnus rhombifolia is the more commonly found alder. Red Alder is the largest species of alder in North America and one of the largest in the world, reaching heights of 20-30 meters. The official tallest red alder (1979) stands 32 meters tall in Clatsop County, Oregon (USA). The name derives from the bright rusty red color that develops in bruised or scraped bark. The bark is mottled, ashy-gray and smooth, often draped with moss. Large trees are often unbranched for a considerable distance from the ground. The leaves are ovate, 7-15 centimeter long, with bluntly serrated edges and a distinct point at the end; the leaf margin is revolute, the very edge being curled under, a diagnostic character which distinguishes it from all other alders. The leaves turn yellow in the autumn before falling. The male flowers are dangling reddish catkins 10-15 centimeter long in early spring, and female flowers are erect catkins which develop into small, woody, superficially cone-like oval dry fruit 2-3 centimeter long. The flowers are wind pollinated, and a large amount of airborne pollen is produced in early spring. The seeds develop between the woody leaves of the 'cones' and are shed in the autumn and winter.

Surface roots can be problematic if the tree receives frequent, shallow watering. Better to water deep and infrequently. Established trees with deep roots can be surprisingly drought tolerant. This is a large tree that requires plenty of space. Best suited for restoration or large gardens with bioswales or streams.

Amsinckia menziesii (Menzies' Fiddleneck) is a species of plant in the Boraginaceae family, the Borage or Forget-me-not family. It is the "common fiddleneck" and has two varieties. A great annual for wildlife, and grows abundantly in the garden. Care must be taken to ensure it does not crowd out other annuals. Attracts large numbers of goldfinches in late spring when it sets seed.

Antirrhinum multiflorum (syn. Sairocarpus multiflorus) is a species of New World snapdragon known by the common name Sierra snapdragon. It is endemic to California, where it is known from the central Coast Ranges, the Transverse Ranges, and one section of the Sierra Nevada foothills. It grows on lower-elevation mountain slopes and springs up in disturbed and recently burned areas. This is an annual or perennial herb producing a hairy, erect stem which often has a woody base. It does not cling or climb like some other snapdragon species. Small, pointed leaves are arranged alternately about the tall stem. The raceme flower cluster occupies the top of the stem with many pink or red snapdragon flowers between one and two centimeters long each.

Aquilegia eximia is a species of columbine known by the common name Van Houtte's columbine. It is endemic to California, where it grows in the moist forests of the Coast Ranges. This is a perennial herb growing from a thick caudex and varying in height, reaching a maximum height near 5 feet. The lower leaves are divided into large, leaflike segments up to 1.5 to 2 inches long and a lobed oval in shape. Leaves farther up the stem are not segmented but may be deeply lobed. The flower cluster bears a large, nodding columbine flower. Each flower has five bright red to orange-red flat sepals up to 1 inch long, and five petals which are hollow spurs 0.5 to 1.5 inches long, bright orange-red on the outer surface and lighter orange to yellow inside. The mouth of each hollow petal tube is up to a centimeter wide. The sepals and petals are generally reflexed back toward the stem and the five pistils and many thin stamens extend forward from the center of the flower.

The Western Columbine is also known as the Red or Crimson Columbine because of its attractive red-and-yellow-colored flowers. The blooms are very appealing to hummingbirds. Mature seedheads provide food for finches and other bird species.

This charming wildflower is a member of the buttercup family and grows in moist, shady locations. In the garden, it likes regular water, partial shade, and compost-rich, well-draining soil. It does self-sow, but deadheading will control spreading.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Garden selection of stream side species (Aquilegia formosa).

Aquilegia pubescens is a species of columbine known by the common names Sierra Columbine and Coville's Columbine. It is sometimes called "yellow columbine", but this properly refers to A. flavescens. This wildflower is endemic to California, where it is a resident of the High Sierra. It is found in alpine and subalpine climates. This leafy columbine rarely reaches half a meter in height. The showy flowers are usually erect rather than drooping and are up to a centimeter wide at the mouth. The flower spurs may be up to 4 centimeters long. The sepals and petals are generally yellow, less often white or pink. The Sierra columbine may hybridize with the Crimson Columbine (A. formosa).

Desert Columbine (Aquilegia shockleyi) is a native perennial herb that grows in southern and central California.

Austin Griffiths Manzanita (Arctostaphylos 'Austin Griffiths') is a large evergreen shrub in the Heath family (Ericaceae). It is a hybrid between A. densiflora 'Sentinel' and A. manzanita 'Dr. Hurd'. It was introduced in the 1980's by Native Sons Nursery in memory of conservationist and naturalist Austin P. Griffiths.

The bark is maroon to dark red, with dark red stems, glossy sage-green foliage, and large clusters of of pale soft pink flowers. One of the earliest blooming manzanitas in early winter, it provides a valuable nectar source for hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators. The berries are consumed by many mammals, and are also a food source for Indigenous Peoples.

The natural habitats for manzanitas are chaparral and openings in oak woodlands, which provide dry, sunny locations with excellent drainage.

This manzanita is striking as a specimen or informal hedge. Although it is a large shrub, it can be shaped and grown as a small tree. It prefers a sandy loam soil but does well in clay as long as it doesn't stand in water. More garden tolerant than 'Dr. Hurd', 'Austin Griffiths' accepts occasional irrigation but is exceptionally drought tolerant once established.

Beautiful natural hybrid manzanita; cross between Arctostaphylos hookeri x Arctostaphylos pajaroensis, found on sandy hills in Monterey County. New leaves are yellow-green, often with copper-colored margins, maturing to deep green. Attractive dark red bark. White to pink bell shaped flowers. One of the most garden tolerant manzanitas. Seems to grow well in cool coastal environments, but is often short-lived in hot inland areas, especially in full sun, regardless of irrigation strategies. Size varies; it has been listed as 2-3'Tx3-4'W, and as large as 5-8'Tx5-8'W, depending on the source. Best to plan for the larger size when planting.

Arctostaphylos andersonii (Santa Cruz Manzanita) is an endangered species of Arctostaphylos, limited in geography to the Santa Cruz Mountains of California. It grows in openings in forest below 700 meter. It is a woody shrub 2-5 meter high, which can resemble a small tree. The 4-7 centimeter smooth leaf blades have serrated edges and deeply lobed bases. It flowers February through May. The fruit is small (2-8 millimeter) and sticky.

Arctostaphylos catalinae, the Santa Catalina Island manzanita, is a species in the Ericaceae (Heath) family. It is endemic to California, where it grows wild only in the Channel Islands, specifically, Catalina and Santa Cruz Islands. This is a tall, bristly manzanita with a well defined trunk that is adapted to the stiff, saline breezes of the island bluffs in its habitat. It does not develop a basal burl and so does not sprout from the base after a fire. However, like other Manzanitas, the seeds germinate readily after fire. It is an attractive Manzanita that deserves to be used more often in coastal gardens.

Arctostaphylos columbiana is a species of manzanita known by the common name hairy manzanita. It is native to the coast of western North America from northern California to British Columbia. This large manzanita is a treelike shrub occasionally reaching heights of up to ten meters. It is erect with hairy branches, the smaller twigs bearing long bristles tipped with sticky glands. The leaves are oval-shaped and may be 6 centimeters long and 3 wide, dull green, fuzzy, and hairy on both surfaces. The small, white, urn-shaped flowers are borne in bunched flower clusters. The fruit is a red drupe about a centimeter in diameter. The seed requires either fire or consumption by animals in order for germination to occur. This manzanita grows in forested areas and has been known to become a weed on Christmas tree farms.

Brittle Leaf Manzanita (Arctostaphylos crustacea ssp. crustacea) is a native shrub in the Ericaceae (Heath) family. It is one of six recognized subspecies of Arctostaphylos crustacea. This subspecies is endemic to California where it is a resident of chaparral canyons, foothills and lower elevation mountains fairly close to the coast in central California, primarily between the San Francisco Bay area and Santa Barbara County, including some of the Channel Islands. This is a low-lying, spreading Manzanita, generally quite a bit wider than it is tall. The stems may be red or gray or both, with smooth, rough, or shreddy bark, hairless to quite bristly. The leaves may be oval to lance-shaped and sometimes toothed, but the upper surface is generally darker and shinier than the lower. The flowers are white to pink and may be hairy or hairless inside. The fruits are fuzzy reddish drupes under a centimeter in diameter.

Rose's Manzanita (Arctostaphylos tomentosa ssp. rosei) is a native shrub that grows in Southern and Central California, primarily in the Central Coast and SF Bay regions. It tends to grow in rocky or sandy soils and slopes, at elevations from 0-3600 feet.

Santa Cruz Island Manzanita (Arctostaphylos tomentosa ssp. subcordata) is a rare native shrub that grows in Southern and Central California, primarily in the Channel Islands region. It tends to grow in rocky or sandy soils and slopes, at elevations from 0-3600 feet.

Arctostaphylos cruzensis is a species of Heath (Ericaceae) known by the common names La Cruz manzanita and Arroyo de la Cruz manzanita. This shrub is endemic to California, where it grows in the sand of the coastline in Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties. It is considered rare due to its limited distribution. This region experiences summer fog that is an important part of its water budget. This is a very petite manzanita which grows flat on the ground or shaped into a low mound. The stem is covered in red shreddy bark. The small, pointed oval leaves are bright green and sometimes slightly toothed or with a fringe of hairs along the reddish edges. The flowers are very pale pink and urn-shaped with tapered throats. The fruits are hairy drupes up to a centimeter in diameter and containing angular seeds.

A species of manzanita known by the common name Little Sur manzanita. This shrub is endemic to California where it grows on the coastal bluffs of Monterey County. This is a petite, low-lying manzanita which forms mounds and patchy mats in sandy soil. The leathery leaves are small and rounded to oval, dark green and shiny when mature and red-edged when new. The flower clusters are dense with flowers, which are small, urn-shaped to rounded, and waxy white to very pale pink. The fruit is a shiny, reddish-brown drupe between one half and one centimeter wide.

Little Sur Manzanita prefers sun with a little afternoon shade. It likes sandy soils and beach sand, and will tolerate clay and adobe. It is great for a coastal garden, but doesn't do well with direct salt spray. There are a number of available cultivars including 'Carmel Sur', 'Danville', and 'Indian Hill'.

Grows best in sandy, coarse-grained or other fast draining soil. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

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.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Horticultural selection from Arctostaphylos edmundsii. Carmel sur manzanita is a low growing evergreen shrub, with light green leaves. Plant in part shade inland to full sun (with a little extra water) near coast. Carmel sur likes good drainage but will also survive clay. It is very garden and water tolerant as long as the water doesn't stand on it. Carmel sur grows fairly rapidly for a manzanita and the new growth is bronze. This arctostaphylos is greatly appreciated as a fast way to cover large slopes where it will stabilize soil and quickly smother the weeds.

Horticultural selection A. edmundsii: origin = central coast, Monterey Co.; intro saratoga Horticultural Foundation 1972 Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for use in the garden. Introduced by saratoga Horticultural Foundation.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Grows best in sandy, coarse-grained or other fast draining soil. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden and introduced by Rancho santa Ana Botanic Garden.

Grows best in sandy, coarse-grained or other fast draining soil. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Grows best in sandy, coarse-grained or other fast draining soil. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Grows best in sandy, coarse-grained or other fast draining soil. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Grows best in sandy, coarse-grained or other fast draining soil. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Grows best in sandy, coarse-grained or other fast draining soil. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Laguna Mountain Manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. adamsi) is a native shrub that grows in Southern California, primarily in the Peninsular Range region. It tends to grow in rocky outcrops, slopes and ridges, primarily at elevations over 3000 ft. It tends to be a spreader and sprawler but can be kept neat by pruning. Its gray-green foliage contrasts nicely with red stems and white/pink flowers.

Del Mar or Costa Baja Manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia) is a rare native shrub that grows in Southern California, primarily in the South Coast region. Depending on the time of year, leaves can be pinkish, slivery, blue green or dark green. It tends to grow in rocky outcrops, slopes and ridges, at elevations from 0-700 feet. It can grow to 8 feet, but is usually under 4 feet with a loose mounding form.

Del Mar Manzanita is beautiful, relatively easy to grow and among the fastest growing of the manzanitas. It seems to do best if planted in the spring, when it can grow quickly and establish itself before the dry summer months. It handles weekly water for the first year after planting, after which it's best to naturalize. Plant on slopes or well draining flats. It will look green and vibrant year round if it can stretch its roots out to a nearby damper spot or irrigated area. It likes sun or part shade.

Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. glandulosa, or Eastwood Manzanita, is a beautiful low-growing manzanita that grows primarily in the western foothills and mountain ranges of California. It tends to grow in rocky outcrops, slopes and ridges, at elevations from 1000-6200 feet. Very diverse with many varieties; a common species of disagreement among botanists.

Leaf colors vary from a vibrant yellow-green to grey green to dark green, depending on the season and the amount of water. Flowers are white to light pink and attract hummingbirds. Bark is red and become gnarled with age. When burned, this plant resprouts from its basal burl and can reach very old ages.

It seems to do best if planted in the spring, when it can grow quickly and establish itself before the dry summer months. It handles weekly water for the first year after planting, after which it's best to naturalize. Plant on slopes or well draining flats. It will look green and vibrant year round if it can stretch its roots out to a nearby damper spot or irrigated area. It likes sun or part shade.

Arctostaphylos montaraensis is a species of manzanita known by the common name Montara manzanita. It is endemic to San Mateo County, California, where it is known from a few occurrences on San Bruno and Montara Mountains. It is also cultivated as a chaparral landscaping plant. This is an erect shrub reaching maximum heights near 5 meters. The stems are deep red in color and the twigs are coated in hairy bristles. It has a dense foliage of light green hairy leaves, rough and dull in texture and up to 4 or 5 centimeters long. The flower cluster is a dense cluster of cone-shaped manzanita flowers, each just under a centimeter long and with bristles inside.

Arctostaphylos morroensis is a species endemic to California, where it is native to a very limited area of San Luis Obispo County and northern Santa Barbara County, from the vicinity of Morro Bay to Santa Maria. It is a spreading shrub, reaching up to 4 meters in height but usually less, and generally staying wider than tall. It has shreddy red-gray bark and whiskery bristles on the smaller branches and twigs. The leaves are oval-shaped and slightly convex, dark green on the upper surface and duller gray-green beneath. Plentiful flowers hang in dense clusters on short pedicels during the winter months. They are usually very light pink, urn-shaped, and hairy inside. The fruits are fuzzy red drupes each about a centimeter wide. This is a plant of the sandy coastal cliffs and beach chaparral. It is also cultivated as an ornamental.

Grows best in sandy, coarse-grained or other fast draining soil. Selected for the garden.

Grows best in sandy, coarse-grained or other fast draining soil. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and sun or part shade in inland sites. Selection from Morro Bay in san Luis Obispo County.

Arctostaphylos nevadensis is a species of manzanita known by the common name pinemat manzanita. It is native to western North America from Washington to California, where it grows in the coniferous forests of the inland and coastal mountain ranges. It is a dominant shrub in the mountain understory chaparral in many areas. This is a short, spreading shrub forming mats, tangles, or mounds less than half a meter tall. The larger branches have dull red bark and the twigs are generally woolly. Leaves are bright green and shiny, with few hairs especially along the edges. They measure 1 to 3 centimeters in length. The shrub blooms in spherical clusters of urn-shaped whitish manzanita flowers. The fruit is a spherical drupe about 7 millimeters wide. This species is cultivated as a chaparral landscaping plant and it is used to stabilize soil against erosion on mountain slopes. It is best grown in high elevation gardens with cold winters.

Arctostaphylos nummularia is a species of manzanita known by the common name glossyleaf manzanita. It is endemic to California, where it grows in the forests of the coastal and inland ranges north of the San Francisco Bay. This is a red-barked shrub reaching a maximum height up to five meters. The smaller twigs are covered lightly in white hairy bristles. The leaves are oval-shaped to nearly round, one to two centimeters long and wide. The edges are very finely toothed to nearly smooth, lined with tiny bristles, and sometimes curled under. The upper surface of the leaf is darker green and shinier than the underside. The flower cluster holds a cluster of hanging flowers, which are spherical and white to pink-tinged. The fruit is a cylindrical drupe less than half a centimeter long containing a few seeds.

There are two subspecies; ssp. mendocinoensis (Pygmy Manzanita) was formerly considered a separate species. It is now considered a subspecies of nummularia but rare due to its extremely restricted range, a tiny population on the coast between Ft. Bragg and Albion. As a garden plant it may be difficult unless you can replicate conditions from its native area.

Grows best in sandy, coarse-grained or other fast draining soil. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Introduced by Roger Raiche at UC Berkeley Botanical Garden.

Arctostaphylos obispoensis is a rare species in the Ericaceae (Heath) family known by the common names Serpentine Manzanita and Bishop Manzanita. It is endemic to California, where it is known only from the southern Santa Lucia Mountains of Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties. For this reason it is included in CNPS list 4.3. It grows in the woodlands and forests of the coastal range, usually on serpentine soil. This is a shrub growing to a height of at least a meter, but known to sprawl to over four meters in height. The small branches and newer leaves are woolly. The mature leaves are hairless and oblong to widely lance-shaped and up to 4.5 centimeters long. The flower cluster is a dense cluster of urn-shaped manzanita flowers. The fruit is a waxy drupe at least a centimeter wide. Despite its rarity, it is a fairly easy plant to grow and good for the central coast.

Pacific Manzanita (Arctostaphylos pacifica) is a very rare native shrub that is known from only a single location in the San Bruno Mountains. It has also been subject to some taxonomic uncertainty. It was previously considered a hybrid but is now considered a distinct species. Despite its rarity in the wild, it has been available in the horticultural trade for a number of years. It is a ground-cover manzanita that is attractive and garden tolerant. In its native location it enjoys a climate that is very moderate, with 20-40 inches of winter rainfall annually and mild, foggy summers. It is best used along the central coast.

Mexican Manzanita is a uncommon native shrub in the Ericaceae (Heath) family that grows in Southern California, primarily in the Peninsular Range region. It tends to grow as part of the chaparral community on rocky slopes, at elevations from 3900-7900 feet. It has gray green leaves with typical urn-shaped pink or white flowers. It is great for a bird garden. There is one recognized subspecies, ssp. drupacea, which is known as Pink-bracted Manzanita or Idyllwild Manzanita.

Pinkbracted Manzanita (Arctostaphylos pringlei ssp. drupacea) is a uncommon native shrub that grows in Southern and Central California, primarily in the Transverse Range and Peninsular Range regions. It tends to grow in rocky slopes, at elevations from 3900-7900 feet.

Arctostaphylos purissima is a rare species in the Ericaceae (Heath) family known by the common names La Purisima Manzanita or Lompoc Manzanita. It is endemic to a very small portion of western Santa Barbara County, California, near the City of Lompoc, site of Mission La Pursima Concepcion. It is a plant of the coastal chaparral on sandstone soils. This is a shrub reaching at least a meter in height and known to exceed four meters tall. It varies in shape from low and spreading to tall and erect. It is coated in long, white bristles and a dense foliage of shiny, hairless green leaves. Each leaf is round to oval in shape and smooth along the edges, and up to 2.5 centimeters long. The inflorescence is a hanging cluster of spherical to urn-shaped flowers each about half a centimeter long. It has a notably long flowering season. The fruit is a hairless drupe between one half and one centimeter wide. This is one of several Manzanita species that are unique to the central coast and it would make a nice addition to any coastal garden. Horticultural varieties known as 'Vandenberg' and 'Petite Margarita' are available that offer an especially compact shape.

Grows best in sandy, coarse-grained or other fast draining soil. Prefers sun or part shade in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden; introduced by Las pilitas Nursery.

Grows best in sandy, coarse-grained or other fast draining soil. Selected for the garden.