Flora of North America species comparison

erect or prostrate.

persistent (deciduous in Arctous), usually alternate, sometimes opposite or whorled (Ornithostaphylos), rarely opposite (Xylococcus);

petiole usually present, sometimes absent (Arctostaphylos);

blade plane, abaxial groove absent.

terminal, panicles or racemes;

perulae absent;

bracts much shorter than sepals;

bracteoles 2 or absent (Arctostaphylos, Arctous).

pendulous;

sepals (4-)5;

petals (4-)5, connate, corolla deciduous, usually urceolate, sometimes cylindric, conic, or globose, lobes much shorter than tube;

intrastaminal nectary disc present;

stamens (8-)10;

anthers dehiscent by slits or pores;

ovary 2-10-locular;

placentation axile;

style straight.

drupaceous (baccate in Arbutus), (pulp mealy or juicy), indehiscent;

pyrenes 1-5, often connate into stonelike endocarp.

1-10, usually distinct, sometimes connate, globose (sometimes 3-sided), not winged.