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San Diego Ambrosia

Ambrosia pumila

Ambrosia pumila is a rare species in the Asteraceae (Sunflower) family known by the common names San Diego Ambrosia and San Diego Ragweed. It is native to a very limited area in far southern California and Baja California where it grows in a variety of habitats along the coastal strip, inland valleys and foothills at elevations below 2,000 ft. This is a perennial herb not exceeding half a meter in height. The leaves are gray-green, fuzzy, and divided into numerous minute lobes to give a feathery appearance. They are up to 13 centimeters long, not counting the winged petioles. The flower cluster is tipped with staminate (male) flower heads above several larger pistillate (female) heads. The pistillate heads each yield usually one fruit, which is a fuzzy burr only a few millimeters wide with short, soft spines. However, it rarely produces viable seed, usually spreading by its rhizome, forming clonal groupings. It is adapted to dry habitat, but only on upper floodplain fringes, or adjoining depressions containing vernal pools or similar structures. It is a plant of open habitat and is not tolerant of heavy shade. If not given supplemental summer water it will become deciduous but will come back from the rhizome after winter rain. This is not an easy plant to find and infrequently used in residential gardens. It is important for restoration projects in areas of appropriate habitat, and it may be useful in gardens seeking to specialize in rare plants of southern California.

Howard McMinn Manzanita

Arctostaphylos 'Howard McMinn'

Howard McMinn Manzanita (Arctostaphylos 'Howard McMinn') is an evergreen shrub in the Heath family (Ericaceae). One of the last manzanitas to bloom, this medium-sized, fine-textured shrub has small leaves and tiny pink flowers that appear in late winter through spring. As it matures it will open up and reveal more of it's twisting, red colored branches.

It is a popular choice for gardens due to its tolerance for different soils, summer watering, pruning, and shearing. Combine with other species of manzanitas for a long bloom season. Howard McMinn is tolerant of different types of soils, however, waterlogged soils should be avoided. Stop irrigating after it is established; generally after one or two years. Extra irrigation in summer will result in a short-lived shrub. Prune in fall to remove dead or dying wood, or to improve the shape. Howard McMinn takes shearing well and can be used for a hedge. Plant in full sun in coastal sites, and sun or part shade if planted inland. Although manzanitas are naturally found in chaparral or open woodlands, this cultivar is one of the most tolerant of garden conditions.


Moths, hummingbirds, butterflies are attracted to the flowers, and animals eat the berries. Deer may eat the berries but generally leave the plant alone. The fruits are also edible for people. Traditionally they were dried and ground for a type of granulated sugar. They were also used to make cider. Manzanita is spanish for little apple, and the fruits do indeed resemble little apples.

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