SafePlants

Arctostaphylos tomentosa

Also known as Woollyleaf Manzanita or Woolly Manzanita, Arctostaphylos tomentosa is a species of manzanita shrub.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Arctostaphylos tomentosa (Pursh) Lindley
• Family: Ericaceae (Heath)
• Synonyms/Subspecies:
  • Arctostaphylos tomentosa ssp. tomentosa
  • Arctostaphylos tomentosa ssp. eastwoodiana
  • Arctostaphylos Rosei tomentosa (likely a misspelling or variant name)
• Alternative common names include Hairy Manzanita, Downy Manzanita, and Wooly Manzanita.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions berries, which may be attractive to pets.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions the presence of seeds.

Distribution and Habitat

• This species is endemic to specific regions, including British Columbia to California.
• It can be found in the pine forests of Cambria and throughout pine forests up into the Bay Area.
• It is associated with maritime chaparral ecosystems.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Arctostaphylos tomentosa is a shrub, sometimes described as a small tree.
• It has smooth, red bark. Young twigs and new leaves are lightly woolly. Mature leaves are leathery and shiny.
• The inflorescence is a spherical cluster of urn-shaped manzanita flowers.

Ecological Role

• It is considered as part of the "Woolly leaf manzanita series" in the context of California's Maritime Chaparral.

Quirky Facts

• The name "manzanita" is derived from Spanish, meaning "little apple," referring to the plant's fruit.