Pointleaf manzanita (‘little apple’) Arctostaphylos pungens

Arizona residents who live in the desert valleys with its surrounding mountains (sometimes called “sky islands”) are a fortunate bunch. Biodiversity of plants and animals throughout our state is among the best anywhere on earth. We have a seemingly endless supply of flora and fauna to photograph, sketch, collect, and admire and for the most part we are hindered in our interactions only by our imaginations. However, for those of us who try and incorporate our favorite local plant into our home landscape, we are limited by the specific requirements that each plant must have to thrive and grow.