Sandmat Manzanita
(Arctostaphylos pumila )
Ericaceae

Photo Copyright 2004 Aaron Schusteff

Description: Evergreen shrub 12 - 32 inches (3-8dm) tall, and forming mats or mounds. Bark reddish and shreddy. Leaves narrow-obovate to oblanceolate, with a wedge-shaped base, and 3/8 - 3/4 inches (1-2cm) long, 1/4 - 5/8 inches (.5-1.5cm) wide. Leaf stem is 1/8 inch (2-3mm) long. Inflorescence is a short, dense raceme, with bracts 1/8 inch (2-3mm) long. The calyx is white, about 1mm long, and the petals are white to pink, about 1/8 inch (4mm) long. Fruit is roundish, reddish-brown, dull, and 1/4 inch (5-6mm) wide.

Distribution:

Habitat: Sandy soils, hills, woodland, coniferous forest. Elevation 9.6 - 656 feet.

Flowering Period: Blooms February to May.

Similar Plants:

Status: BLM Sensitive, California Native Plant Society List 1B