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Native Plant Database

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Ceanothus leucodermis (Chaparral whitethorn)
Wasowski, Sally and Andy

Ceanothus leucodermis Greene

Chaparral whitethorn, Jackbrush

Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)

USDA Symbol: CELE2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A 4-8 ft. high, evergreen shrub with white or light-green bark and clusters of white to blue flowers. Stems are spreading and intricately branched.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Fruit:
Size Class: 6-12 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Blue
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: CA
Native Distribution: Mts. of s. CA, n. to Alamedo & Eldorado Cos.
Native Habitat: Dry, rocky slopes below 6000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: The extensive root system of this plant is excellent for soil stabilization.

Value to Beneficial Insects

Special Value to Native Bees
Supports Conservation Biological Control

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Propagation

Description: Most Ceanothus spp. come well from seed. Cuttings of this species may also be successful.
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.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

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

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR

Bibliography

Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. Wasowski

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-02-20
Research By: TWC Staff

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