Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. hebeclada
(c) Dean Wm. Taylor, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Ericaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. hebeclada is a native California shrub in the Ericaceae family, recognized by key distinguishing feature is glabrous leaf undersides vs. tomentose in related subspecies.
Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. hebeclada is a California native shrub found in central Coast Ranges, specifically on the Monterey Peninsula and Jacks Peak, in chaparral and closed-cone conifer forest at elevations of 100 to 300 meters. Flowering from December to March, this plant produces urn-shaped white to pink flowers in small clusters. Growing with spreading branches 1 to 2 meters tall, it has twigs that are sparsely short-hairy and a distinctive manzanita structure. Its leathery leaves are smooth and glabrous on the undersurface, with an elliptical to ovate shape and thick, waxy texture. The shrub forms dense, rounded thickets characteristic of coastal chaparral environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 32 sympatric species; key distinguishing feature is glabrous leaf undersides vs. tomentose in related subspecies
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral, closed-cone conifer forest
Elevation: 100-300 m
Bloom period
Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. hebeclada 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. hebeclada native to California?
Yes. Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. hebeclada is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. hebeclada bloom?
Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. hebeclada blooms Dec-Mar.
What plant family does Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. hebeclada belong to?
Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. hebeclada is in the Ericaceae family, genus Arctostaphylos.
What habitat does Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. hebeclada grow in?
Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. hebeclada 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 2026-10-01
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.