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(Xylococcus bicolor)
Mission Manzanita (Xylococcus bicolor)
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Photo by Easyscape
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Photo by Easyscape
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | cc-by-sa-4.0
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Xylococcus bicolor, commonly known as Mission Manzanita, is an evergreen shrub to small tree that is part of the chaparral community, native to coastal Southern California and Baja California in Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 3-9 feet and a width of 3-6 feet, with a burl-forming habit that allows it to resprout after fires. The leaves are leathery, and the smooth dark reddish bark is distinctive. From December to February, the shrub produces white to pink urn-shaped flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds. The fruit is a red drupe that matures in the summer.
Mission Manzanita is valued for its ornamental features, including its attractive bark and flowers. It is used in California native plant gardens and is suitable for urban planting due to its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements. It is also appreciated for its ecological role in supporting wildlife. The plant prefers full sun exposure for its foliage while requiring shaded roots, and it adapts to a variety of soils, provided they have excellent drainage. It is hardy in USDA zones 7–10 and can tolerate temperatures down to 20 °F. After establishment, it is highly drought-tolerant and can survive dry months without supplemental water, though occasional summer watering is beneficial. It is important to note that while the plant is drought-tolerant, overwatering can lead to root rot. Mission Manzanita is also susceptible to fungal diseases in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Mission Manzanita is valued for its ornamental features, including its attractive bark and flowers. It is used in California native plant gardens and is suitable for urban planting due to its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements. It is also appreciated for its ecological role in supporting wildlife. The plant prefers full sun exposure for its foliage while requiring shaded roots, and it adapts to a variety of soils, provided they have excellent drainage. It is hardy in USDA zones 7–10 and can tolerate temperatures down to 20 °F. After establishment, it is highly drought-tolerant and can survive dry months without supplemental water, though occasional summer watering is beneficial. It is important to note that while the plant is drought-tolerant, overwatering can lead to root rot. Mission Manzanita is also susceptible to fungal diseases in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-9 feet
- Width: 3-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Pink, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Very Low, Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Part of the chaparral community in coastal Southern California and Baja California in Mexico
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: Xylococcus bicolor , Arctostaphylos bicolor , Arctostaphylos veatchii , Comarostaphylis bicolor , Arctostaphylos clevelandi
GBIF Accepted Name: Arctostaphylos bicolor (Nutt.) A.Gray