Description

This low-growing manzanita is endemic to San Bruno Mountain in San Mateo County. This little sandstone mound is home to several manzanita species, including another endemic, the Pacific manzanita, Arctostaphylos pacifica. The rounded leaves of San Bruno Mountain manzanita are auriculate (ear shaped) and clasping, arranged densely on the stems. As the bark matures it becomes smooth and mahogany in color. The clutches of white flowers appear in early winter. Although Mount San Bruno is on the eastern side of the San Francisco Peninsula, it overlooks the SF Bay and should be considered a coastal setting. Fog and a stiff breeze off the Pacific are both common. Consequently, a planting site with afternoon shade with occasional supplemental irrigation is appropriate for this manzanita if planted away from the immediate coast. The treatment should be similar to the bearberry, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, which also grows on San Bruno Mountain.