Description

The glossy leaf manzanita is one of the many manzanita species endemic to the SF Bay Area. Santa Cruz County, in particular, abounds in unique species. This manzanita was once lumped together with Arctostaphylos nummularia. Compared to that species, the glossy leaf manzanita has smaller leaves and smoother (not shredding) bark. Glossy leaf manzanita grows as a rounded shrub covered densely with oval leaves. It is reported to be a light bloomer, rarely producing fruit in the wild. Like all manzanita, you can increase your chance of success with this rare manzanita by planting in well-draining soil with perhaps some protection from the afternoon sun.