Arctostaphylos montana ssp. ravenii

This diminutive, groundcover manzanita once grew on windswept, serpentine outcrops in San Francisco where the Presidio currently exists. Due to rapid development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, only one clone of this manzanita currently exists in the wild, making it one of the rarest species around. The small, thick, gray-green leaves line creeping stems reaching 6 - 12 inches in height. Forms a large mat over time, crawling around rocks and other obstacles. In late winter/early spring, clusters of little, white, urn-shaped flowers appear at the ends of the stems. Needs full sun to light shade and decent drainage. Drought tolerant once established but will enjoy an occasional deep watering, especially in warmer areas. You don’t have to be a collector to enjoy this appealing little manzanita.