Manzanita
Arctostaphylos manzanita

Location: 41717 Palm Avenue
Park: Mission San Jose High School
District: Mission San Jose
Native to: California
Tree type: flowering
Leaf retention: evergreen

Comments: Evergreen broadleaf native to California and found throughout the state except for the inland desert areas. Waxy green 2" ovate leaves, small white flowers, dark purple berries and bright red to purple smooth bark. A large bush to small tree; broad spreading with 20' maximum height. A very drought tolerant plant which will die back if watered. The wildfires in the canyons of Southern California often involve manzanita and other chaparral plants.

Links to additional information on this tree species:  Link   Link

To prevent the transfer of disease and other considerations, do not touch or take samples from the specimen tree or any other plants on the property.

Click here for larger picture.

Illustration by Hugh Danaher