Morro Manzanita
(Arctostaphylos morroensis )
Ericaceae

Photo Copyright 2002 Dean Wm. Taylor

Description: Evergreen shrub 3.2 - 12.8 feet (1-4 meters) tall. Stems have gray bark, and twigs are covered with dense, matted hairs, and long, white bristles. Leaves ovate to elliptic, 5/8 - 1 1/8 inches (1.5-3cm) long, 3/8 - 3/4 inches (1-2cm) wide, and slightly overlapping one another. Top of leaf is dark green and shiny, and below leaf, gray with densely matted hairs. Leaf stem is 1/8 - 1/4 inch (2-5mm) long. Inflorescence is dense, and flower stems are 3/16 - 1/4 inch (4-6mm) long. The fruit is a drupe (berry-like), 1/4 - 3/8 inches (7-10mm) wide.

Distribution:

Habitat: Sandy dunes. Elevation 16 - 656 feet.

Flowering Period: Blooms December - March.

Similar Plants:

Status: Federal Threatened, California Native Plant Society List 1B