Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. bracteosa
(c) Dean Wm. Taylor, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Ericaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. bracteosa is a native California shrub in the Ericaceae family, recognized by . Key features: glandular-bristly twigs, cupped leaf margins, large bracts.
Arctostaphylos tomentosa subspecies bracteosa is a California native shrub found in central Coast Ranges, including Jacks Peak and Fort Ord in Monterey County, in chaparral and closed-cone conifer forest at elevations of 10 to 300 meters. Flowering from December to March, this plant produces white to pink urn-shaped flowers in small clusters. Growing as a dense shrub 1 to 2 meters tall with twigs densely covered in glandular bristles, it develops a characteristic woody structure. Its leathery leaves are distinctively scabrous with sparse glandular hairs on the undersurface, creating a textured appearance. The shrub forms part of the diverse chaparral ecosystem with its rugged, adapted growth form.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 34 sympatric species. Key features: glandular-bristly twigs, cupped leaf margins, large bracts
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral, closed-cone conifer forest
Elevation: 10-300 m
Bloom period
Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. bracteosa 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 tomentosa subsp. bracteosa native to California?
Yes. Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. bracteosa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. bracteosa bloom?
Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. bracteosa blooms Dec-Mar.
What plant family does Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. bracteosa belong to?
Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. bracteosa is in the Ericaceae family, genus Arctostaphylos.
What habitat does Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. bracteosa grow in?
Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. bracteosa grows in Chaparral, closed-cone conifer forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-08
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.