Comarostaphylis diversifolia
California comarostaphylos
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Ericaceae · Type: Shrub / Tree · Native
Comarostaphylis diversifolia (California comarostaphylos) is a native California shrub / tree in the Ericaceae family, recognized by 2 congeners (both its own subspecies); only Comarostaphylis in CA - shredding bark, gray-tomentose twigs/racemes, obovate leaves, warty….
California comarostaphylos is a native shrub found in coastal and southern California mountain ranges in chaparral and woodland habitats at elevations of 100 to 1,200 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces white to pink urn-shaped flowers in dense racemes. Growing to 3 to 5 meters tall with erect stems featuring shredding bark and gray-tomentose twigs, it develops a distinctive woody structure. Its leaves are obovate, ranging from entire to slightly serrate, providing a textural backdrop to the shrub's elegant form. The fruit develops as bright red clusters, adding vibrant color to the plant's winter landscape.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 congeners (both its own subspecies); only Comarostaphylis in CA - shredding bark, gray-tomentose twigs/racemes, obovate leaves, warty red fruit (summer holly)
Habitat and range
California counties: Santa Barbara, San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Cruz
How to tell it apart
vs Arbutus: Comarostaphylis is a shrub with single-stoned drupes; Arbutus is a tree with multi-seeded berries.; vs Heteromeles: Comarostaphylis has urn-shaped flowers and smooth drupes; Heteromeles has flat flower clusters and pome fruits.; vs Xylococcus: Comarostaphylis fruits are juicy drupes; Xylococcus fruits are completely dry.; vs Pittosporum: Comarostaphylis has urn-shaped flowers; Pittosporum has tubular flowers with spreading petals.; vs Arctostaphylos: Comarostaphylis fruits are juicy single-stoned drupes; Arctostaphylos fruits are dry and mealy.
Frequently asked questions
Is Comarostaphylis diversifolia native to California?
Yes. Comarostaphylis diversifolia is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Comarostaphylis diversifolia grow?
Comarostaphylis diversifolia occurs in Santa Barbara, San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Cruz.
What plant family does Comarostaphylis diversifolia belong to?
Comarostaphylis diversifolia is in the Ericaceae family, genus Comarostaphylis.
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.