Description

This San Mateo County endemic is found close to the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains in chaparral and conifer forests. In many areas it is slowly being shaded to extinction by the dominant conifers that surround it. This is perhaps why it is one of the tallest manzanita species in California, reaching fifteen feet in height or more as it searches for sunlight. King’s Mountain manzanita grows quite densely for a tree-form manzanita. The large leaves have very short petioles and grow densely on young branches. They can obscure the branches all together. As the plant matures, the older growth becomes woody, revealing the smooth dark burnt red bark. The form is upright and vase shaped. The white flowers appear in winter and early spring. These are followed by clusters of sticky red fruit. Plant King’s Mountain manzanita as a centerpiece in a site with full sun or light shade and well-draining soil.