Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. mollis
Photo: parent species Arctostaphylos glandulosa · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Ericaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. mollis is a native California shrub in the Ericaceae family, recognized by distinctive soft white wavy hairs and bright green leaves.
Eastwood manzanita is a California native shrub found in the Transverse Ranges and Peninsular Ranges in chaparral and conifer forest at elevations of 60 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from January to April, this plant produces pink to white urn-shaped flowers in clusters with dense white soft hairs. Growing with spreading branches 1 to 2 meters tall, it has distinctively twisted and smooth reddish-brown bark. Its leaves are bright green, smooth, and shiny, creating a glossy appearance against the shrub's distinctive branching structure. The plant's twigs are covered in short, wavy white soft hairs, giving it a delicate and textured appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 17 sympatric species; distinctive soft white wavy hairs and bright green leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral, conifer forest
Elevation: 60-2000 m
California counties: Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Monterey, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, San Bernardino, Kern, Riverside, San Diego, Contra Costa, Solano
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. mollis 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. mollis native to California?
Yes. Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. mollis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. mollis bloom?
Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. mollis blooms Jan-Apr.
Where in California does Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. mollis grow?
Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. mollis occurs in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Monterey, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, San Bernardino, Kern, Riverside and other counties, at elevations of 60-2000 m.
What plant family does Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. mollis belong to?
Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. mollis is in the Ericaceae family, genus Arctostaphylos.
What habitat does Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. mollis grow in?
Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. mollis grows in Chaparral, conifer forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.