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(Ceanothus rigidus)
Monterey Ceanothus (Ceanothus rigidus)
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Allison Gong
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Allison Gong
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Allison Gong | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Allison Gong | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-03-06T13:29:42-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ceanothus rigidus, commonly known as Monterey Ceanothus, is an evergreen shrub native to the coastal chaparral and foothills of California, particularly the Central Coast. It typically grows to a height of 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters) and a width of 5-10 feet (1.5-3 meters). The plant has a dense, rigid form and is covered in small, dark green, holly-like leaves. From late winter to early spring, it produces clusters of tiny, intensely blue to purple flowers, which are highly attractive to bees and butterflies.
Monterey Ceanothus is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens and native plant landscapes. It is often used for slope stabilization, as a foundation planting, or as part of a wildlife garden. This shrub prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade, and once established, it requires minimal irrigation. It is adaptable to various soil types, provided they have good drainage. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered and may attract pests such as aphids and scale insects.CC BY-SA 4.0
Monterey Ceanothus is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens and native plant landscapes. It is often used for slope stabilization, as a foundation planting, or as part of a wildlife garden. This shrub prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade, and once established, it requires minimal irrigation. It is adaptable to various soil types, provided they have good drainage. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered and may attract pests such as aphids and scale insects.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-5 feet
- Width: 5-10 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Coastal chaparral and foothills of California
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Ceanothus rigidus, Ceanothus cuneatus var. rigidus, Ceanothus cuneatus subsp. rigidus, Ceanothus rigidus var. pallens, Ceanothus rigidus subsp. albus, Ceanothus verrucosus var. rigidus,
GBIF Accepted Name: Ceanothus cuneatus var. rigidus (Nutt.) Hoover