Arctostaphylos stanfordiana, commonly known as Stanford’s Manzanita, is an evergreen shrub native to the chaparral and woodlands of the outer North Coast Ranges in northern California. It typically grows between 2 to 10 feet in height and has a spreading form. The leaves are oblong to lance-shaped, shiny green, and can be up to 2 inches long. From late winter to early spring, Stanford’s Manzanita produces loose clusters of pink to white urn-shaped flowers that are attractive to pollinators. Following flowering, it bears oblong drupes that are a food source for local wildlife.

Stanford’s Manzanita is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in poor, rocky soils, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and native plant gardens. It is often used in restoration projects within its native range due to its ecological importance. In cultivation, it requires well-drained soils, minimal water once established, and full sun to part shade. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases in humid or overly wet conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0