Description

This striking manzanita is one of many species endemic to Santa Cruz County. It grows in sandstone at several sites, including of course Bonny Doon. The ‘Ghostly’ selection grows in an upright, vase-shaped form with silvery leaves over shreddy bark of dark maroon. The leaves are nearly white, and stand out against the dark bark. The winter flowers are bright white and give way to red fruit as the year progresses. Bonny Doon manzanita should be grown in well-draining soil with exposure to at least six hours of sun. A close cousin, Arctostaphylos canescens, is also found in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It also has silvery-white foliage.