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Ceanothus cordulatus Kellogg

Mountain whitethorn, Snow bush, Whitethorn ceanothus

Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)

USDA Symbol: CECO

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Mountain whitethorn or snow bush is an intricately branched, spiny, spreading shrub, 3-6 ft. tall and up to 8 ft. wide, with smooth, whitish bark and velvety, blue-green leaves. Fragrant, white flowers occur in dense clusters.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Size Class: 6-12 ft.
Leaf Color: Green

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul

Distribution

USA: CA , NV , OR
Native Distribution: CA & NV, n. to OR
Native Habitat: Dry, open flats & slopes; 3000-9500 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Dry, rocky soils.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)

Ceanothus cordulatus is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Pacuvius Duskywing
(Erynnis pacuvius)

Food Source
Learn more at BAMONA

Propagation

Description: Layering, cutting or seed may all be effective means of propagation.
Seed Collection: Because dry capsules disperse their seed abruptly with a sudden ejection, it may be necessary to tie cloth bags around the clusters of capsules to catch the seeds.
Seed Treatment: A hot water treatment may be beneficial. (Bring water to a boil and then steep the seeds for 10-15 minutes.)
Commercially Avail: yes
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Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

Bibliography

Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America (2005) Covell, C.V., Jr.
Field Guide to Western Butterflies (Peterson Field Guides) (1999) Opler, P.A. and A.B. Wright

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Ceanothus cordulatus in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Ceanothus cordulatus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Ceanothus cordulatus

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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