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(Ceanothus cordulatus)
Whitethorn Ceanothus (Ceanothus cordulatus)
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John Brew
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
John Brew
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: John Brew | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: John Brew | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-07-01T19:06Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ceanothus cordulatus, commonly known as Whitethorn Ceanothus, is an evergreen shrub native to the chaparral and forested areas of California, particularly in the Sierra Nevada and Klamath Mountains. It typically grows to about 1.5 meters in both height and width, with a spreading habit that often makes it wider than tall. The stems are gray, while the new twigs are yellow-green and fuzzy. Whitethorn Ceanothus blooms from May to June, featuring panicle-shaped inflorescences up to 4 centimeters long, with white to off-white flowers that are modestly showy. The fruit is a distinctive rough, ridged capsule containing seeds that are released when the three valves inside split open.
This shrub is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which can improve soil fertility over time. It is often used in native plant gardens, for erosion control, and as a fire-resistant landscaping plant. Whitethorn Ceanothus thrives in full sun to part shade and is highly adaptable to various soil types, provided they have good drainage. It requires very little water once established, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping. Gardeners should be aware that it can be susceptible to fungal diseases if conditions are too wet.CC BY-SA 4.0
This shrub is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which can improve soil fertility over time. It is often used in native plant gardens, for erosion control, and as a fire-resistant landscaping plant. Whitethorn Ceanothus thrives in full sun to part shade and is highly adaptable to various soil types, provided they have good drainage. It requires very little water once established, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping. Gardeners should be aware that it can be susceptible to fungal diseases if conditions are too wet.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 1.5-6 feet
- Width: 3-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Very Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to chaparral and forested areas of California, particularly in the Sierra Nevada and Klamath Mountains
Other Names
Common Names: Mountain Whitethorn
Scientific Names: Ceanothus cordulatus , Ceanothus divaricatus var. eglandulosus , Ceanothus eglandulosus
GBIF Accepted Name: Ceanothus cordulatus Kellogg