Manzanita Diversity in California

Story by Maddie Ginn.

With over 90 species and subspecies, the genus Arctostaphylos (manzanita) is a testament to California's remarkable geological and climatic diversity. California is home to the most diverse manzanita population in the world — no other region even comes close. They are found from alpine heights above 10,000 feet to foggy coastal bluffs just above sea level.

Manzanitas form symbiotic mycorrhizal relationships with soil fungi, and many species are fire-adapted with basal burls or fire-activated seeds. Their evergreen foliage, sculptural branching, and smooth reddish bark make them popular in native landscaping. Certain species like Arctostaphylos silvicola and A. hookeri are extremely rare, endemic to very specific soil types like the Ben Lomond Sandhills.

At CCW, we propagate manzanitas primarily from cuttings due to the difficulty of seed germination. We carry several species appropriate for gardens and restoration projects along the central coast.