1. * Baja Birdbush – Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia (or-ni-tho-STAF-i-los op-os-i-ti-FO- lee-a )
Family: Ericaceae (Heath Family)
Native to: San Diego County & N. Baja; in chaparral from 200-2500'. Rare in the wild.
woody shrub
mature height: 8-10 ft.
mature width: 8-10 ft.
Large, erect evergreen woody shrub with many branches. Young bark cinnamon red peels away in
sheets to reveal white-gray inner bark – very unusual and decorative. Leaves elongated, narrow,
leathery with rolled edges. Leaves dark green above, lighter below. Very pretty shrub. Moderate
growth rate in garden setting – slow in nature.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in early spring – Jan to April depending on weather. Flowers like those of
related Manzanita species – small, white, urn-shaped flowers in drooping clusters. Fruits are also
like those of Manzanita – small, apple-like and loved by fruit-eating birds.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most often used as a specimen or accent plant due to its showy bark. Can be
pruned up as a small tree.
Can be used as a hedge plant – particularly for its habitat value.
Sometimes grown in large pots/containers.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native large shrubs/small trees like Oleander, Melaleuca.
Excellent habitat plant: nectar attracts hummingbirds & other pollinators; provides cover
and fruits for birds.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to part-shade. Tolerates high temperatures.
Well-drained soils a must; local pH fine.
Best with occasional summer water – Water Zone 1-2 to 2.
None needed.
Management:
Manzanita.
Fairly low maintenance. Can prune to shape (if desire) in summer.
Propagation: from seed: probably needs smoke/fire treatment
Treat like a
by cuttings: ??
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, 14, 20, 25
7/29/12
© Project SOUND