State shrub.
- Establishes the bigberry manzanita as California's official state shrub.
- Recognizes a native plant species that helps prevent soil erosion and protect watersheds.
- Highlights the shrub's historical importance as a food source for Native Americans and wildlife.
Assembly Member Bennett's proposal to designate the bigberry manzanita (Arctostaphylos glauca) as California's official state shrub adds to the state's collection of natural emblems, which includes the golden poppy as state flower, California redwood as state tree, and purple needlegrass as state grass.
The bill's findings highlight the bigberry manzanita's deep roots in California's natural and cultural heritage. Native to chaparral ecosystems from the San Francisco Bay area to northern Baja California, this long-lived shrub features an extensive root system that aids in watershed protection and soil stability. The plant's name reflects California's multicultural history - "manzanita" meaning "little apple" in Spanish, while its scientific name Arctostaphylos derives from Greek words for "bear grape." The fruit has served as a food source for Native American communities and wildlife, including the now-extinct California grizzly bear, the state's official animal.
The legislation adds Section 425.16 to the Government Code to formally establish this designation. The bill requires no appropriations and creates no regulatory obligations beyond the symbolic recognition of the bigberry manzanita as a state emblem.
 Steve BennettD Assemblymember | Bill Author |  Not Contacted |
Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.
Introduced By
Latest Voting History
| Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 0 | 0 | 40 | PASS |
- Establishes the bigberry manzanita as California's official state shrub.
- Recognizes a native plant species that helps prevent soil erosion and protect watersheds.
- Highlights the shrub's historical importance as a food source for Native Americans and wildlife.
Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.
Introduced By
Assembly Member Bennett's proposal to designate the bigberry manzanita (Arctostaphylos glauca) as California's official state shrub adds to the state's collection of natural emblems, which includes the golden poppy as state flower, California redwood as state tree, and purple needlegrass as state grass.
The bill's findings highlight the bigberry manzanita's deep roots in California's natural and cultural heritage. Native to chaparral ecosystems from the San Francisco Bay area to northern Baja California, this long-lived shrub features an extensive root system that aids in watershed protection and soil stability. The plant's name reflects California's multicultural history - "manzanita" meaning "little apple" in Spanish, while its scientific name Arctostaphylos derives from Greek words for "bear grape." The fruit has served as a food source for Native American communities and wildlife, including the now-extinct California grizzly bear, the state's official animal.
The legislation adds Section 425.16 to the Government Code to formally establish this designation. The bill requires no appropriations and creates no regulatory obligations beyond the symbolic recognition of the bigberry manzanita as a state emblem.
Latest Voting History
| Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 0 | 0 | 40 | PASS |
Steve BennettD Assemblymember | Bill Author | Not Contacted |