A lovely small and extremely rare Arctostaphylos from the west end of San Louis Valley above Morro Bay. Oso manzanita has dense bright green leaves with a distinctive matte finish. The auriculate leaves are ear-shaped and attached directly to the branch, emerging with a reddish bronze color along the margin. Young plants grow with a rounded form then mature to an open structure with sculptural twisting branches of smooth mahogany aging to grey. Charming small clusters of pinkish-white flowers emerge in late winter to the delight of hummingbirds and bees.

Mature size: 2-3 ft tall x 4-5 ft across

Minimum temperature: F evaluating