Arctostaphylos patula subsp. gankinii
Gankin's greenleaf manzanita
Photo: parent species Arctostaphylos patula · (c) 101595408250610106310, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Ericaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Arctostaphylos patula subsp. gankinii (Gankin's greenleaf manzanita) is a native California shrub in the Ericaceae family, recognized by silvery canescent young leaves vs. golden glandular-hairy in typical patula.
Gankin's greenleaf manzanita is a California native shrub found in montane chaparral and conifer forest at elevations of 1,200 to 2,500 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces white to pink flowers in clusters characteristic of manzanitas. Growing erect with a distinctive burled base, the shrub reaches 1 to 2 meters tall with stems covered in a soft, non-glandular gray-white indument. Its leaves are a distinctive bright green with a silvery hue, appearing slightly fuzzy when young and creating a soft, luminous appearance. The shrub forms a striking architectural element in its high-elevation habitats, with smooth, curved branches and a distinctive growth form typical of California's chaparral landscapes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 51 sympatric species; silvery canescent young leaves vs. golden glandular-hairy in typical patula
Habitat and range
Habitat: Montane chaparral, conifer forest
Elevation: 1200-2500 m
Outside California: s OR
Bloom period
Arctostaphylos patula subsp. gankinii blooms Apr-Jun.
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 patula subsp. gankinii native to California?
Yes. Arctostaphylos patula subsp. gankinii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Arctostaphylos patula subsp. gankinii bloom?
Arctostaphylos patula subsp. gankinii blooms Apr-Jun.
What plant family does Arctostaphylos patula subsp. gankinii belong to?
Arctostaphylos patula subsp. gankinii is in the Ericaceae family, genus Arctostaphylos.
What habitat does Arctostaphylos patula subsp. gankinii grow in?
Arctostaphylos patula subsp. gankinii grows in Montane chaparral, conifer 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.