Manzanita established itself on exposed, rocky soil. It was the first plant here and its tough roots would begin the process of breaking up the stony surface.

This area was called a barren because only manzanita would grow there. A tough woody bush, manzanita prefers rocky and sandy soil that little else can grow in.

Sparse leaves allowed significant light to penetrate through to the ground below. This becomes significant later after the soil is prepared by the manzanita for other plants.

The manzanitas are the shrubby pioneers here. Their tough roots break up rocky, stony soil and begin to prepare it so that other plants may grow.

Lichen prefers the shady interior of mature manzanita. Some lichen will not grow on manzanita until the plant is 50-60 years old.

The central core of a mature manzanita can be a mysterious looking place. The red wood mixes with shadows, light green lichen, and dark green leaves.

Manzanita blooms in the spring and produces berries. Birds are attracted to the berries and bring with them seeds of other plants that are discharged as part of the bird's droppings. Mostly these seeds never take root. But when the soil is eventually ready, watch out.

Young huckleberries, seeded in by bird droppings, already slowly take over the low manzanita canopy. After a time, the huckleberries will completely enshroud and kill these manzanita pioneers. Over a long time this barren hill will become forest.