Description

Hooker’s manzanita grows under coastal influence along the arc of Monterey Bay. Under development pressure, it has become rare throughout much of its former range. This species varies quite a lot in growth form, even within the same plant community. A good place to see this manzanita is Manzanita Park in Prunedale. All forms are dense and mounding, with dark green, oval-lance shaped leaves over mahogany bark. One may encounter Hooker’s manzanita growing as a very low ground cover, or a mounding shrub nearly ten feet in height, or any height in between the two. The ‘Ken Taylor’ form mounds to about three feet. The width will expand as the lower branches root. Like all Hooker’s manzanita selections, it is best grown under afternoon shade away from the coast. Ken Taylor once owned a nursery in Aromas, near Watsonville.