Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Ericaceae

Genus:

Comarostaphylis

Species:

Comarostaphylis diversifolia

USDA Symbol:

CODI3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

600 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may

Bloom Colors:

white, pink

Evergreen Shrub:

Yes

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Hummingbirds:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from lignotuber after fire; seeds also germinate in post-fire conditions.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to chaparral and coastal scrub habitats

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

30–90 days

Notes:

Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 1-2 months to break dormancy.