California Lilac
(Ceanothus pauciflorus)
California Lilac (Ceanothus pauciflorus)
/
/
© Casey H. Richart
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
© Casey H. Richart
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Casey H. Richart | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: pileated | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ceanothus pauciflorus, commonly known as California Lilac, is a perennial shrub native to chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and foothill woodlands in the Southwestern United States. It typically grows to a height and width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters), forming a compact, many-branched shape. The woody parts are gray and somewhat woolly, contributing to its distinctive texture. This species is particularly noted for its showy clusters of purple and white flowers that bloom in the spring, with a possible second bloom in the fall, and are highly fragrant, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
California Lilac is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, rocky soils with fast drainage, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and native plant gardens. It is also used for erosion control on slopes and as an ornamental shrub in residential landscapes. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate light shade. Regular pruning can help maintain its shape and promote denser foliage. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Ceanothus pauciflorus is also appreciated by wildlife; it is browsed by livestock and wild ungulates such as mule deer and desert bighorn sheep, and its seeds are consumed by various bird species. However, gardeners should be aware that it can be susceptible to fungal diseases in humid conditions and may not be long-lived in garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0
California Lilac is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, rocky soils with fast drainage, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and native plant gardens. It is also used for erosion control on slopes and as an ornamental shrub in residential landscapes. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate light shade. Regular pruning can help maintain its shape and promote denser foliage. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Ceanothus pauciflorus is also appreciated by wildlife; it is browsed by livestock and wild ungulates such as mule deer and desert bighorn sheep, and its seeds are consumed by various bird species. However, gardeners should be aware that it can be susceptible to fungal diseases in humid conditions and may not be long-lived in garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and foothill woodlands in California
Other Names
Common Names: California Lilac
Scientific Names: , Ceanothus pauciflorus, Scutia pauciflora,
GBIF Accepted Name: Scutia pauciflora (Moc. & Sessé ex DC.) G.Don