Arctostaphylos tomentosa is a species of manzanita known by the common name woollyleaf manzanita or woolley manzanita. This shrub is endemic to California.
It is a resident of chaparral canyons, foothills, and lower-elevation mountains.Calflora database: Arctostaphylos tomentosa . accessed 2.2.2013 One specialized habitat in which A. tomentosa is found is the Monterey Cypress forests at Point Lobos and Del Monte Forest in Monterey County, California.C. Michael Hogan and Michael P. Frankis. 2009. Monterey Cypress: Cupressus macrocarpa, GlobalTwitcher.com ed. N. Stromberg
Description This is a low-lying, spreading manzanita, generally quite a bit wider than it is tall. It is a variable species and even some of the subspecies can vary in appearance across individuals. The stems may be red or gray or both, with smooth, rough, or shreddy bark, hairless to quite bristly. The leaves may be oval to lance-shaped and sometimes toothed,Jepson: A. tomentosa but the upper surface is generally darker and shinier than the lower.
The flowers are white to pink and may be hairy or hairless inside. The fruits are fuzzy reddish drupes under a centimeter in diameter.
Subspecies There are many subspecies: A. tomentosa subsp. bracteosa — uncommon subspecies from the vicinity of MontereyCalflora: A. tomentosa subsp. bracteosa A. tomentosa subsp. daciticola — (dacite manzanita), from San Luis Obispo County.Calflora: A. tomentosa subsp. daciticola A. tomentosa ssp. hebeclada — from southwestern Santa Cruz Mountains. Calflora: A. tomentosa ssp. hebeclada A. tomentosa subsp. tomentosa — found along the Central Coast.Calflora: A. tomentosa subsp. tomentosa
See also California chaparral and woodlands — ecoregion. California coastal sage and chaparral — subregion. California montane chaparral and woodlands — subregion.
References
External links Jepson Manual Treatment: Arctostaphylos tomentosa USDA Plants Profile for Arctostaphylos tomentosa (woolly leaf manzanita) Arctostaphylos tomentosa — Photo gallery