Arctostaphylos glandulosa is an erect shrub reaching up to 2.5 meters in height. It is bristly and sometimes glandular, secreting sticky oils. It is quite variable in appearance and there are several subspecies scattered across its range.
Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. cushingiana — Cushing manzanita: native to coastal ranges, from Baja California through California to Oregon. CalFlora: subsp. cushingiana.[5]
Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. glandulosa — Eastwood's manzanita: native to coastal ranges, from Baja California through California to Oregon.[8][9]
Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. howellii — Zaca lake manzanita: native to the Santa Lucia Range in Monterey and San Luis Obispo Countes, and Santa Barbara County[10]