Mount Diablo Manzanita
ExplorePlants
Mount Diablo Manzanita
arctostaphylos auriculata
The Mount Diablo Manzanita (Arctostaphylos auriculata) is a rare and striking evergreen shrub endemic to the sandstone slopes of Mount Diablo in Contra Costa County, California. Known for its gorgeous, silvery foliage and smooth, mahogany-colored bark, this chaparral specialist is a true botanical treasure of the San Francisco Bay Area. Its unique ear-like leaf bases, which clasp the stems, set it apart from other manzanita species. As an obligate seeder, this resilient plant relies on the natural cycle of wildfire to crack open its hard seeds and initiate new growth. It plays a vital role in its localized ecosystem, providing crucial nectar for native bees and hummingbirds in late winter when few other plants are in bloom. Can you find a Mount Diablo Manzanita? Log it and verify its identity with the Snappit app.
Habitat: Found primarily on dry sandstone ridges and chaparral slopes in the microclimate of the Mount Diablo region.
Appearance
This erect shrub typically grows between 100 to 450 centimeters tall, featuring heavily branched structures covered in fine, white-velvety hairs when young, which mature into smooth, dark reddish-brown bark. The most distinguishing feature is its leaves: they are pale gray-green, ovate, densely hairy on both sides, and uniquely overlap or clasp the stem with ear-like lobes at the base. Clusters of small, urn-shaped flowers in shades of white to pale pink bloom in winter, followed by round, sticky, hairy dark red berries.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilyEricaceaeGenusArctostaphylos
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Because it lacks a basal burl, this manzanita cannot resprout from its roots after a fire; instead, its entire population regenerates purely from seed.
It is highly localized, found almost exclusively on the sandstone soils of Mount Diablo and nowhere else in the world.
The scientific species name 'auriculata' translates to 'eared' in Latin, referring directly to the ear-shaped lobes at the base of its leaves.
Special abilities
Ability
Fire-Triggered Germination
Its seeds have a tough coating that remains dormant in the soil for decades, germinating only after fire opens them.
Ability
Ear-Like Leaf Basal Lobes
The overlapping leaf bases clasp the stems tightly, which may help direct condensation down the branches toward the root system.
Ability
Woolly Moisture Defense
Dense, soft white hairs covering its leaves and young twigs act as a natural shield to reduce moisture loss.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 100-450 cm
- Lifespan
- 20-100 years
Diet & Feeding
As a photoautotrophic plant, it synthesizes its own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and soil nutrients through photosynthesis.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Carbon dioxide
- Water
- Soil minerals
Ecological connections
mutualism
Vosnesensky Bumble Bee
Bombus vosnesenskii
Feeds on the early winter nectar and serves as a key pollinator for the shrub.
mutualism
Anna's Hummingbird
Calypte anna
Feeds on the winter-blooming flowers' nectar and assists in pollination.
eaten by
Black-tailed Jackrabbit
Lepus californicus
Consumes the fallen berries and potentially aids in seed dispersal.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Mount Diablo Manzanita?
The easiest way to identify Mount Diablo Manzanita is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Mount Diablo Manzanita?
100-450 cm
How long does Mount Diablo Manzanita live?
20-100 years
What does Mount Diablo Manzanita eat?
As a photoautotrophic plant, it synthesizes its own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and soil nutrients through photosynthesis.
Where is Mount Diablo Manzanita usually found?
Found primarily on dry sandstone ridges and chaparral slopes in the microclimate of the Mount Diablo region.
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
