Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Sunday - April 19, 2009

From: Martinez, CA
Region: California
Topic: Trees
Title: Looking for Manzanita (Mt. Diablo variety)
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

Hi, We live in the Alhambra Valley area; in the country between Martinez and Lafayette/Orina. Can you tell me where I can purchase Manzanita, preferably Mt. Diablo variety if possible? I've asked the local nurseries and am looked at as if I'm an alien. Regards, Wendell Cotton

ANSWER:

Please visit our National Suppliers Directory to find nurseries in your area that specialize in native plants.  Here are a few nurseries from the Directory that show manzanitas (Arctostaphylos spp.) in their lists:

1) For your location your best bet is probably Native Here Nursery of the East Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society.  They list Arctostaphylos manzanita (whiteleaf manzanita) that originated from Mt. Diablo.

2) Bay Natives in San Francisco lists several Arctostaphylos spp. for sale.

3) Las Pilitas Nursery in Santa Margarita and Escondido (not particularly close to you) have a large number of Arctostaphylos spp. listed.

4) Central Coast Wilds in Santa Cruz lists Arctostaphylos tomentosa (woolly manzanita).

5) You can find other nurseries in the Directory, some with webpages to view or telephone numbers to call, that may be nearer to you.  Additionally, Yerba Buena Nursery in Woodside, not in our Directory, lists several Arctostaphylos spp. for sale in your general area.


 

 

More Trees Questions

Should wax myrtles (Morella cerifera) be pruned?
April 26, 2007 - We planted Wax Myrtles in our backyard as a wall for privacy from the lot behind ours. Should we prune or cut back the tops periodically to get more fully developed bushes or let them grow naturally?
view the full question and answer

Distance apart to plant Arizona ash trees in El Paso, TX
July 01, 2010 - How far apart can I plant two Arizona ash trees?
view the full question and answer

Native evergreen trees with highest value for birds
April 02, 2007 - What native evergreen trees have the highest value for bird seed/fruit (other than Juniperus virginiana)?
view the full question and answer

Sprouts from stems of plants from Happy Yard IN
September 28, 2013 - Is it normal for a plant to start a sprout from its own root system next to the stock/stem? Is it trying to regrow?
view the full question and answer

Suitability of Monterrey oaks for small space in San Antonio
April 23, 2009 - I am purchasing a home and the existing owners have planted three Monterrey oaks in the back. It is a small yard and the trees are no more than 15 feet from the house.The trees back up to a fence that...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.