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Wasowski, Sally and Andy

Comarostaphylis diversifolia

Comarostaphylis diversifolia (Parry) Greene

Summer Holly, Summer-blooming Manzanita, Mock Arbutus, Mock Arbute

Ericaceae (Heath Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: codi3

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

A slow-growing, evergreen shrub or tree usually to 20 ft. tall. Attractive features include shiny leaves, white flowers, red berries and shredded bark.

From the Image Gallery

2 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit Type: Drupe
Size Notes: Up to about 30 feet tall, often shorter.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul

Distribution

USA: CA
Native Distribution: Coastal s. CA and adjacent Mex.
Native Habitat: Dry slopes; coastal chaparral

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: This plant will require five or more years to reach 5-10 ft.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Nectar Source: yes

Propagation

Description: Propagation by seed is possible. Fresh seed requires no treatment.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR

Bibliography

Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. Wasowski

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Web Reference

Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) Calflora
Webref 3 - Flora of North America (2014) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.

Additional resources

USDA: Find Comarostaphylis diversifolia in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Comarostaphylis diversifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Comarostaphylis diversifolia

Metadata

Record Modified: 2022-10-03
Research By: TWC Staff

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