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Description
Arctostaphylos Stanfordiana, commonly known as Stanford Manzanita, is a species of evergreen shrub that belongs to the Ericaceae family. This plant is native to California and is found in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Diablo Range, and the Gabilan Range. The Stanford Manzanita has an attractive appearance and is a popular ornamental plant. It has a unique growth habit and is known for its beautiful red bark that peels off to reveal a smooth, copper-colored bark underneath.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Arctostaphylos |
Appearance
The Stanford Manzanita has a unique growth habit and can grow up to 15 feet tall and 20 feet wide. It has a multi-stemmed, spreading growth habit and has dark green leaves that are 1-2 inches long. The leaves have a glossy appearance and are oval-shaped. The plant produces small, pink to white flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring. The flowers are followed by small, red berries that are edible but not commonly consumed.
Care Guide
To care for the Stanford Manzanita, it is important to provide it with well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. The plant should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season and should not be allowed to dry out completely. Fertilization is not necessary but can be done once a year in the spring. The plant is hardy to USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Stanford Manzanita is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if it is planted in poorly-draining soil. It may also be attacked by spider mites, scale insects, or aphids. These pests can be controlled by spraying the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Stanford Manzanita is native to California and is found in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Diablo Range, and the Gabilan Range. It grows in chaparral, mixed evergreen forest, and oak woodland habitats. The plant is adapted to drought conditions and is tolerant of poor soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Stanford Manzanita drought tolerant?
A: Yes, the Stanford Manzanita is adapted to drought conditions and is tolerant of poor soil.
Q: Can the berries of the Stanford Manzanita be eaten?
A: Yes, the berries of the Stanford Manzanita are edible but not commonly consumed.
Q: What is the growth habit of the Stanford Manzanita?
A: The Stanford Manzanita has a multi-stemmed, spreading growth habit and can grow up to 15 feet tall and 20 feet wide.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Stanford Manzanita?
A: The Stanford Manzanita is hardy to USDA zones 8-10.
Related Plants
– Arctostaphylos Edithae- Arctostaphylos Glauca- Arctostaphylos Hookeri- Arctostaphylos Manzanita- Arctostaphylos Montaraensis
References
– “Arctostaphylos Stanfordiana.” Calflora. https://www.calflora.org/app/taxon?crn=2111- “Arctostaphylos stanfordiana.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c740- “Stanford Manzanita.” Las Pilitas Nursery. https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/197–arctostaphylos-stanfordiana
