Arctostaphylos patula subsp. patula
Greenleaf manzanita
Photo: parent species Arctostaphylos patula · (c) 101595408250610106310, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Ericaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Arctostaphylos patula subsp. patula (Greenleaf manzanita) is a native California shrub in the Ericaceae family, recognized by bright green leaves with golden-yellow glandular hairs on stems are distinctive.
Greenleaf manzanita is a California native shrub found in the Sierra Nevada, Cascade Range, and Transverse Ranges in montane chaparral and conifer forest at elevations of 750 to 3,350 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces white to pink flowers in clusters with delicate, urn-shaped blossoms. Growing as an erect shrub 1 to 2 meters tall with a distinctive burled base, it features golden-yellow glandular-short-hairy stems that create a striking textural appearance. Its leaves are bright green with a golden-yellow hue, smooth and glossy, presenting a vibrant contrast against the plant's characteristic bark. The shrub forms a dense, sculptural profile that provides important habitat and visual interest in high-elevation mountain landscapes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 51 sympatric species; bright green leaves with golden-yellow glandular hairs on stems are distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Montane chaparral, conifer forest
Elevation: 750-3350 m
Outside California: to Washington, Montana, Colorado, New Mexico, Baja California
Bloom period
Arctostaphylos patula subsp. patula 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. patula native to California?
Yes. Arctostaphylos patula subsp. patula is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Arctostaphylos patula subsp. patula bloom?
Arctostaphylos patula subsp. patula blooms Apr-Jun.
What plant family does Arctostaphylos patula subsp. patula belong to?
Arctostaphylos patula subsp. patula is in the Ericaceae family, genus Arctostaphylos.
What habitat does Arctostaphylos patula subsp. patula grow in?
Arctostaphylos patula subsp. patula grows in Montane chaparral, conifer forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.