Arctostaphylos viscida is a plant of chaparral and coniferous forests of some elevation.

[2] Sticky whiteleaf manzanita is highly drought-resistant and tolerates mafic soils.

The leaves are rounded to oval, sometimes slightly toothed or with hairs along the edges, and usually dull green on both surfaces.

The fruits are shiny red or greenish-brown drupes between one half and one centimeter wide.

[4] The Miwok of northern California used the fruit to make cider.