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Vine Hill manzanita

Scientific Name: Arctostaphylos densiflora

Family: Ericaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: CA (Vine Hill manzanita)

       

Vine Hill Manzanita (Arctostaphylos densiflora)

Arctostaphylos densiflora, commonly known as Vine Hill Manzanita, is a very rare species of manzanita.

Considerations for Pets

  • Manzanita berries were used to make a refreshing, cider-like drink by indigenous peoples. This suggests the presence of fruit that may be appealing to pets.

Considerations for Children

  • Manzanita berries were used to make a refreshing, cider-like drink by indigenous peoples. This suggests the presence of fruit that may be appealing to children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Arctostaphylos densiflora M.S. Baker
  • Common Name: Vine Hill Manzanita
  • Family: Ericaceae
  • Cultivars: 'Howard McMinn', 'Sentinel', 'Harmony'
  • Note: Some consider it a possible hybrid.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Endemic to a small area of Sonoma County, California, specifically the Vine Hill area.
  • Found within 13 miles of the Northern California coast.
  • The last remaining population is found at the Vine Hill Preserve in Sonoma County, California.

Ecological Role

  • Listed as endangered (CESA).
  • Only 20-30 plants still exist in the wild, currently protected on land.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Grows up to 8 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide.
  • Known for its smooth, wine-red bark.
  • 'Sentinel' variety is upright with an open habit, grey-green leaves, and many pinkish-white flowers, growing 6-10 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide.
  • The 'Howard McMinn' variety is noted as a 3-6' shrub.
  • Spreading habit.
  • Requires full to part sun and dry conditions.

Quirky Facts

  • The original plants of the 'Howard McMinn' variety were provided by Howard McMinn, who discovered and collected seed from a stand of Vine Hill Manzanita.

Further Information

  • Discover Life's page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Arctostaphylos densiflora.
  • Plant database entries are available with further details.