Description

This rare manzanita grows in the hills of southern San Luis Obispo County from the immediate coast to about 40 miles inland in the Machesna Mountain Wilderness. It grows as an upright, rounded shrub to about seven feet. The leaves are also upright - “ascending” - and generally medium green but may take on a waxy grey hue. The stems of Santa Margarita manzanita are densely covered with long hairs and fine tomentose hairs. The hairs are not sticky - “glandular” - nor irritating to the skin, however. These hairs may aid in capturing coastal fog. The mature bark is a burnt red color. The winter flowers are pure white. This manzanita is adaptable to a variety of settings, but more protection from the afternoon sun should be provided as one moves away from the coast.