Arctostaphylos manzanita subsp. elegans
Konocti manzanita, Konocti Manzanita, Konocti manzanita
(c) Dean Wm. Taylor, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Ericaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Arctostaphylos manzanita subsp. elegans (Konocti manzanita) is a native California shrub in the Ericaceae family, recognized by volcanic habitat, no burl, fused fruit stones.
Konocti manzanita is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native shrub found in the Klamath Ranges and northern Coast Ranges in woodland, chaparral, and conifer forest, typically on volcanic soils at elevations of 220 to 1,850 meters. Flowering from February to May, this plant produces pale pink to white flowers in compact, 4 to 7-branched clusters. Growing with smooth or sparsely hairy twigs and reaching moderate shrub height, it develops a distinctive burl-free growth pattern. Its dull green leaves have a leathery texture characteristic of manzanitas, providing a subtle contrast to the plant's smooth branches. The fruit is distinctively covered in minute glandular hairs, with stones that are generally fused together.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 34 sympatric species; volcanic habitat, no burl, fused fruit stones
Habitat and range
Habitat: Woodland, chaparral, conifer forest, generally volcanic soils
Elevation: 220-1850 m
California counties: Glenn, Lake, Napa, Humboldt, Sonoma, Mendocino, San Francisco, Tehama, Colusa, Trinity, Shasta
Bloom period
Arctostaphylos manzanita subsp. elegans blooms Feb-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
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 manzanita subsp. elegans native to California?
Yes. Arctostaphylos manzanita subsp. elegans is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Arctostaphylos manzanita subsp. elegans bloom?
Arctostaphylos manzanita subsp. elegans blooms Feb-May.
Where in California does Arctostaphylos manzanita subsp. elegans grow?
Arctostaphylos manzanita subsp. elegans occurs in Glenn, Lake, Napa, Humboldt, Sonoma, Mendocino, San Francisco, Tehama and other counties, at elevations of 220-1850 m.
What plant family does Arctostaphylos manzanita subsp. elegans belong to?
Arctostaphylos manzanita subsp. elegans is in the Ericaceae family, genus Arctostaphylos.
Is Arctostaphylos manzanita subsp. elegans rare or endangered?
Arctostaphylos manzanita subsp. elegans carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S3.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.