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Ceanothus velutinus (Snowbrush)
Vick, Albert F. W.

Ceanothus velutinus Dougl. ex Hook.

Snowbrush, Snowbrush ceanothus, Tobacco-brush, Mountain balm, Buckbush

Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)

USDA Symbol: CEVE

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

The clusters of fragrant, creamy-white flowers contrast well with the dark, balsam-scented, sticky foliage of this 3-5 ft. broadleaf evergreen shrub. Snowbrush’s stems are stout and much-branched, lending a spreading, round-topped habit. The entire plant is pleasantly aromatic.

Snowbrush is a member of the buckthorn family (family Rhamnaceae), which includes shrubs, woody vines, and small to large trees (rarely herbs). There are about 700 species worldwide.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

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

Bloom Information

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

Distribution

USA: CA , CO , ID , MT , NV , OR , SD , UT , WA , WY
Canada: BC
Native Distribution: Tulare Co., CA to coastal B.C., e., mainly in mts., to CO & Black Hills, SD
Native Habitat: Open, wooded, hillsides & ledges; 3500 to 10,000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry , Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Well-drained, rocky soil.
Conditions Comments: Too much shade quickly results in a leggy specimen. This is sometimes considered a perennial herb.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Foliage: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: California tortoisehell

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: Sow seeds in fall. Many Ceanothus species can be propagated vegetatively with cuttings or, if it is a creeping type, with layers.
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: Seeds require 3 months stratification after a hot water treatment. (Bring water to a boil and then steep the seeds for 10-15 minutes.)
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:

Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR

Bibliography

Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2010-04-28
Research By: TWC Staff

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