Arctostaphylos rainbowensis
Rainbow manzanita, Rainbow manzanita, Rainbow manzanita
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Ericaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Arctostaphylos rainbowensis (Rainbow manzanita) is a native California shrub in the Ericaceae family, recognized by many-branched inflorescence and distinctive white-glaucous fruits.
Rainbow manzanita is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native shrub found in the San Diego and Riverside counties region in chaparral and granitic outcrops at elevations of 150 to 800 meters. Flowering from January to February, this plant produces light pink to white flowers in pendulous panicles with delicate branching. Growing erect and burled to 1 to 4 meters tall, it develops distinctive glandular twigs that appear smooth. Its leaves are elliptic-ovate, 3.5 to 5 centimeters long, light green to gray-glaucous with a rounded base and entire margins. The fruit is a spheric structure 8 to 12 millimeters wide, white-glaucous with dark brown and purple-tinged coloration, featuring fused stones.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 13 sympatric species; many-branched inflorescence and distinctive white-glaucous fruits
Habitat and range
Habitat: Granitic outcrops, chaparral
Elevation: 150-800 m
California counties: San Diego, Riverside
Bloom period
Arctostaphylos rainbowensis blooms Jan-Feb.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
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 rainbowensis native to California?
Yes. Arctostaphylos rainbowensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Arctostaphylos rainbowensis bloom?
Arctostaphylos rainbowensis blooms Jan-Feb.
Where in California does Arctostaphylos rainbowensis grow?
Arctostaphylos rainbowensis occurs in San Diego, Riverside, at elevations of 150-800 m.
What plant family does Arctostaphylos rainbowensis belong to?
Arctostaphylos rainbowensis is in the Ericaceae family, genus Arctostaphylos.
Is Arctostaphylos rainbowensis rare or endangered?
Arctostaphylos rainbowensis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · 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.