Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. leucophylla
Photo: parent species Arctostaphylos glandulosa · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Ericaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. leucophylla is a native California shrub in the Ericaceae family, recognized by strongly white-glaucous leaves diagnostic.
San Diego manzanita is a California native shrub found in western San Bernardino Mountains and Peninsular Ranges in chaparral and conifer forest at elevations of 200 to 1,930 meters. Flowering from January to April, this plant produces white to pink flowers in small clusters with distinctive glandular features. Growing with twigs that are long-glandular-hairy and stems featuring black or clear glands, it forms a sturdy woodland shrub. Its leaves are strongly white-glaucous with rounded bases, glandular-hairy and somewhat scabrous in texture. The plant's distinctive white-nonglandular hairiness on its branches and emerging flower clusters provides additional visual character.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 16 sympatric species; strongly white-glaucous leaves diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral, conifer forest
Elevation: 200-1930 m
Outside California: northern Baja California
Bloom period
Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. leucophylla 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. leucophylla native to California?
Yes. Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. leucophylla is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. leucophylla bloom?
Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. leucophylla blooms Jan-Apr.
What plant family does Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. leucophylla belong to?
Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. leucophylla is in the Ericaceae family, genus Arctostaphylos.
What habitat does Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. leucophylla grow in?
Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. leucophylla grows in Chaparral, conifer forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.