Arctostaphylos stanfordiana subsp. raichei
Raiche's manzanita, Raiche's Manzanita, Raiche's manzanita
(c) Alan Rockefeller, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alan Rockefeller · licence
Family: Ericaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Arctostaphylos stanfordiana subsp. raichei (Raiche's manzanita) is a native California shrub in the Ericaceae family, recognized by papillate rough leaves and glandular-hairy twigs.
Raiche's manzanita is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native shrub found in southern North Coast Ranges Interior, including southern Mendocino and western Lake counties, in chaparral habitats at elevations of 400 to 945 meters. Flowering from February to April, this plant produces white to pink flowers in small clusters that contrast beautifully with its distinctive reddish bark. Growing erect and reaching 1 to 3 meters tall, it develops short glandular-hairy twigs that give the shrub a textured appearance. Its leaves are slightly rough and papillate, with petioles 4 to 8 millimeters long, creating a subtle tactile quality to the plant's surface. The shrub forms a compact, architectural shape characteristic of California's native manzanitas, with its characteristic smooth, reddish stems providing visual interest throughout the year.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 16 sympatric species; papillate rough leaves and glandular-hairy twigs
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral
Elevation: 400-945 m
California counties: Mendocino, Lake
Bloom period
Arctostaphylos stanfordiana subsp. raichei blooms Feb-Apr.
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 stanfordiana subsp. raichei native to California?
Yes. Arctostaphylos stanfordiana subsp. raichei is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Arctostaphylos stanfordiana subsp. raichei bloom?
Arctostaphylos stanfordiana subsp. raichei blooms Feb-Apr.
Where in California does Arctostaphylos stanfordiana subsp. raichei grow?
Arctostaphylos stanfordiana subsp. raichei occurs in Mendocino, Lake, at elevations of 400-945 m.
What plant family does Arctostaphylos stanfordiana subsp. raichei belong to?
Arctostaphylos stanfordiana subsp. raichei is in the Ericaceae family, genus Arctostaphylos.
Is Arctostaphylos stanfordiana subsp. raichei rare or endangered?
Arctostaphylos stanfordiana subsp. raichei 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.