The evergreen shrub is found growing naturally only on Catalina and Santa Cruz Islands on the coast ridges.

[1] The plant grows in maritime chaparral habitats, on the ridges of Catalina Island[3] at elevations from 1150 to 1500 ft (350 to 460 m).

Without the ability to sprout from a basal burl after a fire, it uses seed germination for regeneration.

[2] The Santa Catalina Island manzanita can be used as an ornamental shrub in gardens.

It requires full sun, very low water, and is adaptable to different soil conditions.