SafePlants

Ceanothus bakeri

Also known as Baker's Ceanothus, this plant belongs to the genus Ceanothus, which includes about 50-60 species of shrubs or small trees primarily found in North America.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Ceanothus bakeri Greene ex McMinn (pro sp.)
• Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Synonyms/Related Taxa:
  • Ceanothus x bakeri Greene ex C. F. Baker (pro sp.) - Note: The author citation has been corrected from Greene ex C.F. Baker to Greene ex McMinn.
  • Mentioned alongside other Ceanothus species such as Ceanothus americanus, Ceanothus arboreus, Ceanothus confusus, Ceanothus connivens, Ceanothus cordulatus, Ceanothus crassifolius, Ceanothus cuneatus, Ceanothus cyaneus, Ceanothus dentatus, Ceanothus gloriosus, Ceanothus impressus, Ceanothus jepsonii, Ceanothus maritimus, and Ceanothus masonii.

Distribution and Habitat

• Associated with dry, open pine and garry oak forests.
• Frequently found alongside plants such as Ceanothus prostratus, C. velutinus, Mahonia aquifolium, Artemisia tridentata, Purshia tridentata, and Eriogonum marifolium.

Morphological Characteristics

• Growth habit can range from gloriosus to prostratus forms.
• Some varieties, like 'Skylark', are noted as good choices for small gardens.
• Ceanothus 'Centennial' is known for having smooth, clean leaves.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Attracts birds and butterflies.
• May be browsed by deer.

Resources

• Holotype specimen available at the Herbarium, University of California (UC), UC79817.
• Taxonomic information available from the British Database of World Flora and Fauna.
• Further information may be available via the Encyclopedia of Life (though currently listed as not yet available).
• DiversityOfLife.org and PlantSystematics.org are mentioned as resources for information on the Rhamnaceae family.