Arctostaphylos manzanita subsp. laevigata
Contra costa manzanita, Contra Costa Manzanita, Contra Costa manzanita
(c) Dean Wm. Taylor, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Ericaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Arctostaphylos manzanita subsp. laevigata (Contra costa manzanita) is a native California shrub in the Ericaceae family, recognized by bright green shiny leaves and no burl diagnostic.
Contra costa manzanita is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native shrub found in the southern North Coast Ranges (Vaca Mountains) and eastern San Francisco Bay Area (Mount Diablo) in chaparral and rocky outcrops at elevations of 240 to 1,100 meters. Flowering from February to May, this plant produces pale pink to white urn-shaped flowers in clustered branches. Growing with bright green, shiny stems and a distinctive growth form, it develops a spreading habit with sparsely hairy twigs. Its leaves are bright green and glossy, creating a smooth, attractive appearance in its rocky habitat. The fruit develops with stones that can be variably fused or free, contributing to the plant's unique reproductive characteristics.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 27 sympatric species; bright green shiny leaves and no burl diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral, rocky outcrops
Elevation: 240-1100 m
California counties: Contra Costa, Lake, Yolo, Sonoma
Bloom period
Arctostaphylos manzanita subsp. laevigata blooms Feb-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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. laevigata native to California?
Yes. Arctostaphylos manzanita subsp. laevigata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Arctostaphylos manzanita subsp. laevigata bloom?
Arctostaphylos manzanita subsp. laevigata blooms Feb-May.
Where in California does Arctostaphylos manzanita subsp. laevigata grow?
Arctostaphylos manzanita subsp. laevigata occurs in Contra Costa, Lake, Yolo, Sonoma, at elevations of 240-1100 m.
What plant family does Arctostaphylos manzanita subsp. laevigata belong to?
Arctostaphylos manzanita subsp. laevigata is in the Ericaceae family, genus Arctostaphylos.
Is Arctostaphylos manzanita subsp. laevigata rare or endangered?
Arctostaphylos manzanita subsp. laevigata carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
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.