Arctostaphylos nummularia subsp. nummularia
(c) Stan Shebs, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Ericaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Arctostaphylos nummularia subsp. nummularia is a native California shrub in the Ericaceae family, recognized by no sympatric species.
Arctostaphylos nummularia is a California native shrub found in central coastal Northern California, specifically in Mendocino County's coastal prairie, maritime chaparral, and closed-cone forest at elevations of 15 to 400 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces small, delicate flowers in white to pink clusters. Growing as a prostrate to erect shrub reaching 0.5 to 5 meters tall, it develops distinctive gray bark that shreds with age. Its leaves are small and round to round-ovate, measuring 1 to 2.2 centimeters long with a truncate or slightly lobed base. The plant's unique growth form and textured bark make it a notable manzanita subspecies in coastal California landscapes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; no sympatric species
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal prairie, maritime chaparral, closed-cone forest
Elevation: 15-400 m
Bloom period
Arctostaphylos nummularia subsp. nummularia blooms Mar-May.
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. nummularia native to California?
Yes. Arctostaphylos nummularia subsp. nummularia is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Arctostaphylos nummularia subsp. nummularia bloom?
Arctostaphylos nummularia subsp. nummularia blooms Mar-May.
What plant family does Arctostaphylos nummularia subsp. nummularia belong to?
Arctostaphylos nummularia subsp. nummularia is in the Ericaceae family, genus Arctostaphylos.
What habitat does Arctostaphylos nummularia subsp. nummularia grow in?
Arctostaphylos nummularia subsp. nummularia grows in Coastal prairie, maritime chaparral, closed-cone forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
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.