Description

San Bruno Mountain in northern San Mateo County, CA, is home to many unique plants including several manzanita. Among them is this form of the widespread bearberry (suborbiculata). Like other bearberry forms, it spreads as a low groundcover to about six feet across. The pink flowers appear in the early winter, with large red berries maturing as summer approaches. The often foggy and cool growing environment of San Bruno Mountain provides guidance on suitable growing conditions. Coastal settings with occasional supplemental irrigation are ideal. Away from the coast, afternoon shade becomes a requirement.