California Native Plant an Analysis Term Paper

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, and inhibits herbivores and pathogens" (Las Pilitas Nursery). This is the reason the manzanita is such an excellent survivor: it has good roots. Thus, the manzanita can grow for over a century if the conditions are right.

Manzanitas also serve as a good source of nectar for some of the more pleasant fauna of nature: butterflies and hummingbirds. The manzanita, therefore, is a shrub that can bring an element of natural beauty to the native Californian landscape.

A view of the different hybrids that are available may give some indication of the different varieties of manzanitas available for different tastes.

First, there is the "Austin Griffith" manzanita -- which is a cross between the A. densiflora and the Dr. Hurd. It can reach a height of 10 ft and a width of 6 ft. It is a flowering shrub (the flowers are small and pink) and the leaves are glossy and green. And it is a great attracter of hummingbirds.

Next, there is the "Baby Bear" manzanita -- and it reaches a height of 6 ft and a width of about the same. In all other aspects it is similar to the "Austin Griffith." It is a cross between the A. stanfordiana bakeri and the A. densiflora -- which accounts for the noted similarities.

Then there is the "Emerald Carpet" manzanita -- a cross between A. uva-ursi and A. nummularia. This particular manzanita requires special care: its survival depends upon taking root in rich soil and is ideal for gardens, because it needs watering to stay green. For this reason the "Emerald Carpet" is not a drought tolerant manzanita.

The "Greensphere" manzanita is a cross between A. nummularia and A. uva-ursi as well. Unlike the "Emerald Carpet," however, it does not require much attention and should grow quite consistently with little care.

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The "Margarita Pearl" manzanita grows large white flowers and big berries and the leaves are gray. The "Margarita Pearl" can reach up to 8 ft high.

A good example of a coastal manzanita would be the "Pacific Mist" manzanita, which can only grow up to about 3 ft in height. Like the "Pearl" it is a gray manzanita. Because it does not do well in dry, hot conditions, it only grows in the coastal regions of California.

"La Panza" manzanita is another variety that is a cross between the A. silvicola and Standforiana Bakerii. Thus, its foliage is quite different from other manzanitas: it begins with a kind of velvet gray leaf, which turns into a smooth gray leaf as the shrub gets older. It can stand up to 8 ft high.

Other varieties of manzanita exist and are available through several nurseries in California, such as Las Pilitas Nursery, Cactus Jungle, or Bay Natives. These nurseries are able to provide customers with a variety of species. Since most manzanitas require well-drained soil, the best place for them to grow is right in California, where the plant is native.

In conclusion, the Arctostaphylos manzanita is a perennial shrub that exists in a variety of species in both coastal and interior regions of California. It can grow wild and in xeriscaped lawns -- and some species, such as the "Emerald Carpet," are even good for gardens, requiring, as they do, summer watering. The manzanita is an inexpensive plant to purchase for growing, but its medicinal and edible value is low. However, it provides an aesthetic charm….....

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