Arctostaphylos nevadensis subsp. nevadensis
Pine-mat manzanita, Pine-Mat Manzanita
(c) Laura Camp, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Ericaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Arctostaphylos nevadensis subsp. nevadensis (Pine-mat manzanita) is a native California shrub in the Ericaceae family, recognized by prostrate mat-forming habit and high elevation.
Pine-mat manzanita is a California native shrub found in the Klamath Ranges, northern Coast Ranges, California Ranges, Sierra Nevada, Modoc Plateau, and northern eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, particularly in the Sweetwater Mountains, growing on rocky outcrops and in conifer forest at elevations of 130 to 3,200 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces small, urn-shaped white to pink flowers in compact clusters. Growing as a low-spreading shrub with distinctive reddish bark, it forms dense ground-covering mats that hug the terrain. Its leathery, oval leaves are dark green, arranged alternately, and measure 1 to 3 centimeters long with smooth margins. The plant develops from a persistent underground burl, allowing it to regenerate after disturbances like fire.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 28 sympatric species; prostrate mat-forming habit and high elevation are diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky outcrops, conifer forest
Elevation: 130-3200 m
Outside California: to Washington
Bloom period
Arctostaphylos nevadensis subsp. nevadensis blooms May-Jul.
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 nevadensis subsp. nevadensis native to California?
Yes. Arctostaphylos nevadensis subsp. nevadensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Arctostaphylos nevadensis subsp. nevadensis bloom?
Arctostaphylos nevadensis subsp. nevadensis blooms May-Jul.
What plant family does Arctostaphylos nevadensis subsp. nevadensis belong to?
Arctostaphylos nevadensis subsp. nevadensis is in the Ericaceae family, genus Arctostaphylos.
What habitat does Arctostaphylos nevadensis subsp. nevadensis grow in?
Arctostaphylos nevadensis subsp. nevadensis grows in Rocky outcrops, 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 2026-04-09
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.