Arctostaphylos parryana subsp. parryana
Parry manzanita, Parry Manzanita
Photo: parent species Arctostaphylos parryana · (c) paulexcoff, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Ericaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Arctostaphylos parryana subsp. parryana (Parry manzanita) is a native California shrub in the Ericaceae family, recognized by mounded habit and green leaves.
Parry manzanita is a California native shrub found in the Transverse Ranges in openings of chaparral and forest at elevations of 1,500 to 2,400 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces green flowers in distinctive clusters characteristic of manzanitas. Growing as a mounded shrub generally 50 to 100 centimeters tall, it develops a compact, rounded form with smooth reddish bark. Its green leaves are typically small and oval, providing a dense covering on the shrub's branches. The plant forms a low, rounded mound that blends seamlessly into its rocky chaparral landscape.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 14 sympatric species; distinguished by mounded habit and green leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Openings in chaparral, forest
Elevation: 1500-2400 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Kern, Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Barbara
Bloom period
Arctostaphylos parryana subsp. parryana 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 parryana subsp. parryana native to California?
Yes. Arctostaphylos parryana subsp. parryana is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Arctostaphylos parryana subsp. parryana bloom?
Arctostaphylos parryana subsp. parryana blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Arctostaphylos parryana subsp. parryana grow?
Arctostaphylos parryana subsp. parryana occurs in San Bernardino, Kern, Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Barbara, at elevations of 1500-2400 m.
What plant family does Arctostaphylos parryana subsp. parryana belong to?
Arctostaphylos parryana subsp. parryana is in the Ericaceae family, genus Arctostaphylos.
What habitat does Arctostaphylos parryana subsp. parryana grow in?
Arctostaphylos parryana subsp. parryana grows in Openings in chaparral, forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Arctostaphylos parryana subsp. tumescens — Interior manzanita
- Arctostaphylos patula — Greenleaf manzanita
- Arctostaphylos patula subsp. gankinii — Gankin's greenleaf manzanita
- Arctostaphylos patula subsp. patula — Greenleaf manzanita
- Arctostaphylos pechoensis — Pecho manzanita
- Arctostaphylos pilosula — Santa margarita manzanita
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
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.