Arctostaphylos purissima subsp. globosa
Globose manzanita
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Family: Ericaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Arctostaphylos purissima subsp. globosa (Globose manzanita) is a native California shrub in the Ericaceae family, recognized by spheric fruits with fused stones and glandular leaf margins distinguish from other purissima.
Globose manzanita is a California native shrub found in the central coastal region in maritime chaparral and sandstone outcrops at elevations below 400 meters. Flowering from December to March, this plant produces small white to pink urn-shaped flowers in compact clusters. Growing as a dense, rounded shrub 1 to 2 meters tall with distinctive reddish bark and intricately twisted branches, it has a distinctive appearance in coastal habitats. Its leaves have short glandular hairs along the edges, with oval to rounded blades 1 to 3 centimeters long, creating a textured surface. The fruit develops as a spherical cluster with stones that are generally fused or weakly partially fused.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 32 sympatric species; spheric fruits with fused stones and glandular leaf margins distinguish from other purissima
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandstone outcrops, sandy soils, maritime chaparral
Elevation: < 400 m
Bloom period
Arctostaphylos purissima subsp. globosa blooms Dec-Mar.
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 purissima subsp. globosa native to California?
Yes. Arctostaphylos purissima subsp. globosa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Arctostaphylos purissima subsp. globosa bloom?
Arctostaphylos purissima subsp. globosa blooms Dec-Mar.
What plant family does Arctostaphylos purissima subsp. globosa belong to?
Arctostaphylos purissima subsp. globosa is in the Ericaceae family, genus Arctostaphylos.
What habitat does Arctostaphylos purissima subsp. globosa grow in?
Arctostaphylos purissima subsp. globosa grows in Sandstone outcrops, sandy soils, maritime chaparral.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Arctostaphylos purissima subsp. purissima — La purisima manzanita
- Arctostaphylos rainbowensis — Rainbow manzanita
- Arctostaphylos refugioensis — Refugio manzanita
- Arctostaphylos regismontana — Kings mountain manzanita
- Arctostaphylos rudis — Sand mesa manzanita
- Arctostaphylos sensitiva — Glossyleaf manzanita
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.