Arctostaphylos manzanita_x_densiflora Austin Griffiths Manzanita

Identification

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Description

Austin Griffiths Manzanita is a hybrid between Arctostaphylos densiflora 'Sentinel' and Arctostaphylos manzanita 'Dr. Hurd' manzanitas was introduced in the 1980's by Native Sons Nursery in memory of Austin who volunteered in the conservation of the Nipomo Dunes and at Native Sons Nursery for years before his death.(I remember him as an athletic guy in his 60's with white hair that rode his bike to work and was very enthusiastic about native plants. A nice friendly guy.) His botanical enthusiasm is remembered by many. The plant itself grows to 10 ft or so tall and 6 feet wide. In our garden it has been easily held to 6 ft. tall and 4 ft. wide. It prefers a sandy soil but will tolerate clay. The bark is red, red stems, large flower clusters of small pink flowers with the foliage a glossy green. Flowering period is for most of January into February. The first flowers the hummingbirds can find are usually at Christmas. Kind of a present for the little buzz-erds. When in flower or not, customers walk over to it and say "what's this?, I want one. I'll make room." In a mixed planting with either Arctostaphylos Dr. Hurd', Arctostaphylos Mama Bear', Ceanothus Tassajara Blue' and Ceanothus Ray Hartman' you can create a hedge of beauty and life. Click here for more about California Manzanitas(Arctostaphylos). This plant is one the best wildlife plants we have. The nectar is superior to almost any other plant. The chipmunks love the berries. Birds even eat the flowers. Weird, but loved by all, go Austin! Hummingbird and Red Admiral using the flowers.