Description

This manzanita has a patchy distribution in coastal mountains from the SF Bay Area to Los Angeles County and the northern Channel Islands. It is the dominant manzanita of the Santa Cruz Mountains. It is highly variable and is divided into several subspecies. The crustacea subspecies is distinguished only by the sparse or absent hairs on the underside of the leaf. The brittle leaf manzanita grows as a dense rounded shrub with smooth mahogany bark. It seems to maintain its dense structure with age. Over many years it develops a burl at the base of the trunk from which new growth may grow after fires. Plant the brittle leaf manzanita in well-draining soil where it will receive sun for most of the days - generic manzanita treatment.