Buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus)

Buckbrush

(Ceanothus cuneatus)

Mary K. Hanson

CC BY 4.0

Image By: Mary K. Hanson

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Ceanothus cuneatus, commonly known as Buckbrush and Wedgeleaf Ceanothus, is an evergreen shrub native to the chaparral and coastal sage scrub of California, extending into Oregon and Baja California. It thrives in these Mediterranean climates, often on dry, rocky slopes and in areas that experience periodic wildfires. The shrub typically grows up to 3 meters in height and has a spreading, rounded to sprawling habit. Its evergreen leaves are small, stiff, and can be slightly toothed along the edges. During the flowering season, which occurs from March to May, Buckbrush produces abundant and showy clusters of tiny, fragrant flowers. These are typically white but can have hues of blue or lavender. The fruit is a distinctive round, horned capsule.

Buckbrush is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and native plant gardens. It provides habitat and food for wildlife, including seeds for harvester ants and nectar for pollinators. This shrub is often used for erosion control on slopes and as an ornamental plant for its profuse, sweet-smelling flowers. It requires full sun to light shade and can adapt to a range of soil types, from well-drained to clay, as long as they are not waterlogged. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. It is also important to note that Ceanothus cuneatus seeds require heat, such as from fire, to break dormancy and germinate, a trait that aligns with its adaptation to fire-prone habitats.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrubs
Height: 5-12 feet
Width: 5-11 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Purple, White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Low, Medium
Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to the chaparral and coastal sage scrub of California, Oregon, and Baja California

Other Names

Common Names: Wedgeleaf Ceanothus , Cuneate Ceanothus , Buckbrush Ceanothus

Scientific Names: Ceanothus cuneatus , Ceanothus cuneatus var. cuneatus , Ceanothus cuneatus var. ramulosus , Ceanothus cuneatus subsp. cuneatus , Ceanothus ramulosus , Ceanothus cuneatus var. dubius , Ceanothus oblanceolatus , Ceanothus cuneatus var. submontanus , Ceanothus rigidus var. albus , Ceanothus submontanus

GBIF Accepted Name: Ceanothus cuneatus (Hook.) Nutt.