Hello, I’m new to the forums and am a bit of a Arctostaphylos fan (understatement). Anyhow, I’m wondering if people here are familiar with locations that have arctostaphylos columbiana growing around Vancouver/Fraser Valley? An old post I was reading mentioned seeing one as far East as Harrison mills (near the road up to hemlock).
It would be interesting to search for plant lists of Manning Park I found a good one (in terms of many plants separated in to tree / shrub etc) by location (the road signs in Manning ) fr what seems like a college course but no Latin so it is in my opinion - in the end - not very helpful
Thanks! I’m wondering how many exist throughout the B.C. lowermainland. They’re stunning plants and I’ve only once encountered them on a little hike in west vancouver.
Up cypress ? Or at sea level or mid elevation like Eagle Ridge where Howe Sound weather outflow meets - just curious
They are at lower elevations in the bluffs above Horseshoe Bay and around the corner to the south and east in West Vancouver, probably extending north along Howe Sound in similar habitat. One location that I noted along a trail is 230 m ASL.
the ones I saw were several hundred feet above sea level on an exposed bluff near a telecommunications tower.
Oh, an Arctostaphylos fan! Pleased to meet you! I'll assume you know of this resource: Field Guide to Manzanitas - Backcountry Press The photographer for that book also offers a separate CD with more images, if you are keen.
I've not seen these in Pender Harbour, but that's a 2013 photo: E-Flora BC Photo Gallery: Photo Details I only recall ever having encountered the Sproat Lake and Saltspring Island populations (oh, and I intended to see the Comox Lake population, but I was so disgusted by seeing how the ecological reserve there was being abused on a long weekend that I left).
perhaps one might find some around Smuggler Cove provincial park out on the rock outcrops (ie not the forest but out by the sea) or maybe by those fabulous rock outcrops in Sechelt --- near where blue poppies (private garden) used to be
The ones I remember from Saltspring are in open forest, but I suspect the forest has grown around them.
I saw one or two several years ago at the top of Little Mountain near Parksville. Little Mountain Parksville: Nanaimo Attraction within Driving Distance I remember a naturalist saying that they always grow ___?????___ but I can't remember what; maybe on an elevated spot? Do any of you know of an essential requirement for the successful cultivation of Arctostaphylos columbiana?
Daniel, I don't have that book, but it sounds like something that I should own!! I've always been taken with the manzanitas up and down the West Coast and have recently been trying out different manzanitas in the yard. But, like many planty types, I get such a joy seeing them in their native habitat. There's something so special when you stumble upon one of your all time favourite plants! The thrill! Similarly, I can pinpoint many Arbutus trees in the Abbotsford area. The Glenn Mountain neighbourhood has several of them poking out through the rocky hillside. With the presence of Garry Oak and Arbutus, I'm always on the lookout for a manzanita hiding in plain sight so to speak. I'm convinced there are more around that we haven't discovered yet.
One thing is certain, not all are located on a that e-flora map. I lived in Lantzville and recall seeing them on Notch Hill near the Naval Station. Up here in Courtenay there are numerous around a development next to the Marina in Comox. Excellent drainage is a requirement. Cheers.