Species Spotlight: Rainbow Manzanita
The Rainbow Manzanita (Arctostaphylos rainbowensis) is a fascinating plant that features evergreen leaves, reddish-brown bark, and charming pink, bell-shaped flowers. Named after the community of Rainbow by the San Diego/Riverside County Line near where the species was first described and documented. This beautiful shrub blooms during winter, from December to March, attracting essential native bees along the way.
Thriving in compact, shallow soils, the Rainbow Manzanita flourishes on rocky slopes within chaparral habitats. It plays a vital role in the ecosystem, as birds and small mammals help disperse its seeds through their fruit, which resemble small apples. Though this unique California native is adapted to wildfires and can resprout after a burn, it faces challenges from habitat loss and increasing wildfire intensity.
Thanks to the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP), over 37,000 acres of suitable habitat have been identified for conservation that would support this species.
