Arbutus?

[Stan]

It can't be Manzanita can it?

[Azuleja]

I can't see the leaves, but why couldn't it be manzanita?

[Stan]

I would have thought they could not be grown in a lawn. This is a park. I have a photo of a seed. Not sure if its from the tree,the compost,or even if its a ripe seed.

[Azuleja]

Yes, it does look like a dried up "strawberry." To me, the leaves look much different from manzanita. Arbutus uneda 'compacta' is on my shortlist of trees for a difficult spot I have in a narrow planter next to the house.

[Agavemonger]

My first thought is that it looks an awful lot like a Zin Manzanita (Arctostaphylos stanfordiana). But the seed and leaves look sorta like an Arbutus species. I would think that it could also be a Pacific Madrone ( Arbutus menziesii ) with particularly red bark. Closer photos of the leaves and seed or flowers on the tree would help a lot!

The Monger

[Stan]

I think Madrone because of the size. I couldn't bring up Madrone..I knew it was in the memory of names,but the Manzanita I can always remember. On another board-- Hardy Palms,as soon as George a member, said Madrone- then the lightbulb went on. Still,this twisty one is different. Most Madrones are vertical. Whatever it is exactly,its an old monarch beauty.

[Agavemonger]

Awfully red for a Madrone. I'm thinking now it is more likely a Zin Manzanita that is really old. The bark matches perfectly.

The Monger

[Stan]

I added the last pics. So..still a debate?

[Agavemonger]

I think that it is a Zin Manzanita that leaned over or was "leaned on" and has been much loved, explaining the minimal branching. There is just no way that any "kid" could resist climbing and/or sitting on this beauty for a photo shoot. These "shrub-like" trees can get pretty big, and the bark seems to be way too deep of a burgundy color for a Madrone. But if the seed is off of this tree, then it could be an Arbutus.

Looks like a great place for a "picnic".

The Monger