Arctostaphylos nummularia subsp. mendocinoensis
Pygmy manzanita, Pygmy Manzanita, pygmy manzanita
(c) Stan Shebs, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Ericaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Arctostaphylos nummularia subsp. mendocinoensis (Pygmy manzanita) is a native California shrub in the Ericaceae family, recognized by 4-parted flowers and splitting fruits in pygmy forest habitat.
Pygmy manzanita is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native shrub found in central coastal Mendocino County in pygmy pine forest and chaparral at elevations of 50 to 200 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces small flowers with subtle white to pink coloration. Growing prostrate to mounded, it spreads 10 to 50 centimeters tall with distinctive red-gray bark that becomes rough and shredding with age. Its small leaves are oblong-elliptic, 5 to 12 millimeters long with rounded to wedge-shaped bases, creating a compact and delicate appearance. The plant's low-growing, spreading form makes it uniquely adapted to its coastal Mendocino habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 4 sympatric species; 4-parted flowers and splitting fruits in pygmy forest habitat
Habitat and range
Habitat: Pygmy pine forest, chaparral
Elevation: 50-200 m
California counties: Mendocino
Bloom period
Arctostaphylos nummularia subsp. mendocinoensis blooms Mar-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 nummularia subsp. mendocinoensis native to California?
Yes. Arctostaphylos nummularia subsp. mendocinoensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Arctostaphylos nummularia subsp. mendocinoensis bloom?
Arctostaphylos nummularia subsp. mendocinoensis blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Arctostaphylos nummularia subsp. mendocinoensis grow?
Arctostaphylos nummularia subsp. mendocinoensis occurs in Mendocino, at elevations of 50-200 m.
What plant family does Arctostaphylos nummularia subsp. mendocinoensis belong to?
Arctostaphylos nummularia subsp. mendocinoensis is in the Ericaceae family, genus Arctostaphylos.
Is Arctostaphylos nummularia subsp. mendocinoensis rare or endangered?
Arctostaphylos nummularia subsp. mendocinoensis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1.
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 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.