Description

Eastwood manzanita is widespread in California’s coastal mountains. This upright shrub may be found from southern Oregon to northern Baja, Mexico. It varies in various characteristics throughout its range, resulting in no less than ten recognized subspecies. The species is named for the prevalence of glandular hairs on the most widespread subspecies, glandulosa. Other subspecies lack this characteristic to one degree or another. The cushingiana subspecies, which is native to the SF Bay Area, is hairy but not glandular. Curiously, there is even a subspecies that lacks the basal burl that characterizes all the rest. Eastwood manzanita is fairly “generic” in appearance: large, lance-shaped leaves; burnt orange, peeling bark; white, urn-shaped flowers; and a dense, rounded form. Often the presence of glandular hairs and a basal burl is the most reliable way to distinguish eastwood manzanita from other species, but that will depend on which subspecies grows in the area. Plant eastwood manzanita in well-draining soil and naturalize after the plant is established. Some protection from the afternoon sun is recommended in interior areas.