Arctostaphylos purissima subsp. purissima
La purisima manzanita
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Family: Ericaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Arctostaphylos purissima subsp. purissima (La purisima manzanita) is a native California shrub in the Ericaceae family, recognized by glabrous leaves and depressed-spheric fruits with variably fused stones vs. globosa.
La purisima manzanita is a California native shrub found in central coastal California in maritime chaparral on sandstone outcrops and sandy soils at elevations of 180 to 400 meters. Flowering from December to March, this plant produces pale pink to white urn-shaped flowers in clusters with dense, soft, nonglandular hairs. Growing as a compact shrub with multiple stems 1 to 2 meters tall, it has distinctive smooth, reddish bark and a somewhat spreading growth habit. Its leaves are glabrous, leathery, and dark green, with an elliptical to oval shape that provides a striking contrast to its reddish stems. The fruit is a depressed-spherical drupe with stones that may be variably fused or free, typical of manzanita species.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 32 sympatric species; glabrous leaves and depressed-spheric fruits with variably fused stones vs. globosa
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandstone outcrops, sandy soils, maritime chaparral
Elevation: 180-400 m
Bloom period
Arctostaphylos purissima subsp. purissima 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. purissima native to California?
Yes. Arctostaphylos purissima subsp. purissima is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Arctostaphylos purissima subsp. purissima bloom?
Arctostaphylos purissima subsp. purissima blooms Dec-Mar.
What plant family does Arctostaphylos purissima subsp. purissima belong to?
Arctostaphylos purissima subsp. purissima is in the Ericaceae family, genus Arctostaphylos.
What habitat does Arctostaphylos purissima subsp. purissima grow in?
Arctostaphylos purissima subsp. purissima grows in Sandstone outcrops, sandy soils, maritime chaparral.
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.