Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. howellii
Photo: parent species Arctostaphylos glandulosa · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Ericaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. howellii is a native California shrub in the Ericaceae family, recognized by intermediate hair characteristics.
Howell's manzanita is a California native shrub found in the central Santa Lucia Range in chaparral and conifer forest at elevations of 400 to 1,800 meters. Flowering from January to April, this shrub produces white to pink flowers in drooping clusters with glandular-hairy bracts. Growing with twigs that are sparsely covered in short, non-glandular hairs, it forms a distinctive shrub with multiple stems. Its leaves are glandular-hairy and range from green to gray-green, with a slightly waxy or glaucous appearance that feels papillate or scabrous to the touch. The plant's ovary is densely covered in white, non-glandular hairs, adding to its distinctive texture and appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 18 sympatric species; intermediate hair characteristics
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral, conifer forest
Elevation: 400-1800 m
Bloom period
Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. howellii blooms Jan-Apr.
How to tell it apart
vs Arbutus: Arctostaphylos fruits are smooth and mealy; Arbutus fruits are bumpy and juicy.; vs Rhus: Arctostaphylos has simple evergreen leaves; Rhus has compound deciduous leaves.; vs Quercus: Arctostaphylos has urn-shaped flowers and berry-like fruits; Quercus has catkins and acorns.; vs Xylococcus: Arctostaphylos leaves are flat; Xylococcus leaves have margins rolled tightly under.; vs Heteromeles: Arctostaphylos has urn-shaped flowers; Heteromeles has flat white flower clusters.
Frequently asked questions
Is Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. howellii native to California?
Yes. Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. howellii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. howellii bloom?
Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. howellii blooms Jan-Apr.
What plant family does Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. howellii belong to?
Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. howellii is in the Ericaceae family, genus Arctostaphylos.
What habitat does Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. howellii grow in?
Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. howellii grows in Chaparral, conifer forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-01
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.