Arctostaphylos andersonii is a woody shrub 2–5 m high, which can resemble a small tree.

The 4–7 cm smooth leaf blades have serrated edges and deeply lobed bases.

The Santa Cruz manzanita has no basal burl for regrowth and must propagate by seed.

Some populations closer to the Bonny Doon region are highly glaucous (the leaves produce a white, powdery substance on the surface) whereas others are not.

This species is often confused with A. regismontana, A. pallida, and A. pajaroensis, but can be easily identified by geography.