Arctostaphylos parryana subsp. tumescens
Interior manzanita, Interior Manzanita, interior manzanita
Photo: parent species Arctostaphylos parryana · (c) paulexcoff, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Ericaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Arctostaphylos parryana subsp. tumescens (Interior manzanita) is a native California shrub in the Ericaceae family, recognized by erect habit with prominent burl vs mounded growth.
Interior manzanita is a rare (CNPS 4.3) California native shrub found in the San Gabriel Mountains and San Bernardino Mountains in montane chaparral at elevations of 2,100 to 2,300 meters. Flowering from March to April, this plant produces green flowers with distinctive characteristics. Growing 1 to 2 meters tall with an erect habit and a prominent underground burl, it develops a distinctive woody structure. Its green leaves contribute to the plant's robust mountain chaparral appearance. The underground burl allows this manzanita to persist and regenerate in its challenging montane habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 14 sympatric species; distinguished by erect habit with prominent burl vs mounded growth
Habitat and range
Habitat: Montane chaparral
Elevation: 2100-2300 m
Bloom period
Arctostaphylos parryana subsp. tumescens blooms Mar-Apr.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
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. tumescens native to California?
Yes. Arctostaphylos parryana subsp. tumescens is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Arctostaphylos parryana subsp. tumescens bloom?
Arctostaphylos parryana subsp. tumescens blooms Mar-Apr.
What plant family does Arctostaphylos parryana subsp. tumescens belong to?
Arctostaphylos parryana subsp. tumescens is in the Ericaceae family, genus Arctostaphylos.
Is Arctostaphylos parryana subsp. tumescens rare or endangered?
Arctostaphylos parryana subsp. tumescens carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S3S4.
What habitat does Arctostaphylos parryana subsp. tumescens grow in?
Arctostaphylos parryana subsp. tumescens grows in Montane chaparral.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- 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
- Arctostaphylos pringlei subsp. drupacea
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.