Morro manzanita (Arctostaphylos morroensis). CDFW photo by Kristi Lazar.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will be conducting a status review for Morro manzanita (Arctostaphylos morroensis) to inform the California Fish and Game Commission's decision on whether to list the species as endangered under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). As part of this process, CDFW is soliciting information regarding the species’ ecology, genetics, life history, distribution, abundance, habitat, the degree and immediacy of threats to its reproduction or survival, the adequacy of existing management and recommendations for management of the species. The CNDDB would like to encourage anyone who has observed Morro manzanita to submit their findings to us. People who have questions or comments about the review process should email our Native Plant Program. The deadline for both data submission and comments is August 18, 2025 to allow us sufficient time for evaluation.
Morro manzanita is an evergreen shrub in the heath family (Ericaceae). It is endemic to the Los Osos area of coastal San Luis Obispo County, California and occurs primarily on stabilized sand dunes associated with Baywood fine sand. In the early 1990s, Morro manzanita was estimated to have an area of occupancy of 340 to 360 ha (840 to 890 ac) which is a decrease from historical estimates of 800 to 1,100 ha (1,977 to 2,718 ac). Fire plays an important role in the long-term persistence of Morro manzanita. While Morro manzanita is killed by fire, the species depends on fire to stimulate the germination of viable seed in the soil seed bank in order to persist in the landscape. Present and potential future threats include clearing of habitat for development, invasive plant species, stochastic events, climate change, and sudden oak death pathogen (Phytophthora ramorum).
On July 20, 2024, Dr. Christopher Kofron and Dr. Claudia Tyler submitted a petition to the California Fish and Game Commission to list Morro manzanita as an endangered species under CESA. The Commission published findings of its decision to make the species a candidate for listing as an endangered species on May 16, 2025, and as such, Morro manzanita now receives the same legal protection afforded to an endangered or threatened species (Fish and Game Code sections 2074.2 and 2085). Take of this species is prohibited without an appropriate permit for scientific, educational or management purposes. For more information on permitting, visit our CESA permits page.
We need your help in better understanding the status of Morro manzanita. If you have ever found them in the wild, submit your findings to us through our Online Field Survey Form. Together, we can help the Fish and Game Commission make an informed decision on the listing proposal for the Morro manzanita.