Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. tomentosa
(c) Dean Wm. Taylor, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Ericaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. tomentosa is a native California shrub in the Ericaceae family, recognized by distinguishing features include tomentose leaf undersides and sparsely hairy twigs.
Arctostaphylos tomentosa subspecies tomentosa is a California native shrub found in central coastal California, specifically in Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties, inhabiting chaparral and closed-cone conifer forests at elevations of 10 to 500 meters. Flowering from December to March, this plant produces small, urn-shaped white to pink flowers in dense clusters. Growing as a spreading shrub with woody branches 1 to 2 meters tall, it has grayish-white twigs that are sparsely covered in short, soft hairs. Its leaves are distinctively woolly on the undersides, creating a soft, felt-like texture with oval to rounded shapes approximately 2 to 5 centimeters long. The shrub forms dense, intricate branching patterns characteristic of its manzanita genus, with smooth reddish bark visible between the tomentose (woolly) foliage.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; distinguishing features include tomentose leaf undersides and sparsely hairy twigs
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral, closed-cone conifer forest
Elevation: 10-500 m
California counties: Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara
Bloom period
Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. tomentosa 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. tomentosa native to California?
Yes. Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. tomentosa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. tomentosa bloom?
Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. tomentosa blooms Dec-Mar.
Where in California does Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. tomentosa grow?
Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. tomentosa occurs in Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, at elevations of 10-500 m.
What plant family does Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. tomentosa belong to?
Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. tomentosa is in the Ericaceae family, genus Arctostaphylos.
What habitat does Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. tomentosa grow in?
Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. tomentosa grows in Chaparral, closed-cone conifer forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
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.