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Ceanothus arboreus Greene
Feltleaf, Feltleaf ceanothus, Island ceanothus, Island mountain lilac
Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)
USDA Symbol: cear
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
A tall, tree-like shrub, 12-28 ft. high and 10 ft. wide. Bark is smooth and gray and broadly oval leaves are large, glossy and dark green. Flowers are light blue and occur in clusters up to 5 in. long. Evergreen large shrub or small tree with short, straight trunk, rounded crown of many stout, spreading branches, and abundant, pale blue flowers.
This distinctive species grows wild only on three California islands. It is planted along the coast as an ornamental and a screen and along roadsides. One of the largest species of its genus, it bears a suitable species name meaning treelike.
From the Image Gallery
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Bloom Information
Bloom Color: BlueBloom Time: Feb , Mar , Apr , May
Distribution
USA: CANative Distribution: Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, Santa Catalina Islands
Native Habitat: Brushy slopes
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Description: Various well-drained, dry soils.
Conditions Comments: Grows 5-10 ft./year and is a fast filler.
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesSupports 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.
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
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
Recommended Species Lists
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View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Ceanothus arboreus in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Ceanothus arboreus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Ceanothus arboreus
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01Research By: TWC Staff
