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whitethorn ceanothus
Scientific Name: Ceanothus cordulatus
Family: Rhamnaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Ceanothus cordulatus and Ceanothus leucodermis: A Closer Look
This page provides information about Ceanothus cordulatus and Ceanothus leucodermis, two related shrubs in the buckthorn family.
Considerations for Pets
- Ceanothus cordulatus is a spiny bush, especially when it goes deciduous in winter, which may pose a physical hazard.
Considerations for Children
- Ceanothus cordulatus is a spiny bush, especially when it goes deciduous in winter, which may pose a physical hazard.
Common Names
- Ceanothus cordulatus: Mountain Whitethorn, Whitethorn Ceanothus, Snow Bush
- Ceanothus leucodermis: Chaparral Whitethorn, Chaparral White Thorn, Whitebark Lilac
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Ceanothus cordulatus Kellogg
- Scientific Name: Ceanothus leucodermis E. Greene
- Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)
- Ceanothus is a large genus of shrubs and small trees.
Distribution and Habitat
- Ceanothus cordulatus is native to California and found outside the state as well. It is found in the Sierra Nevada.
- Ceanothus leucodermis is common to abundant on dry, rocky or sandy slopes. It is found in the southern Sierra Nevada and Tehachapi areas. It is also very common on Los Pinos Trail.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Ceanothus cordulatus is a gray/green shrub with whitish bark. It is intricately branched, spiny, and spreading, typically 3-6 ft. tall. The leaves are alternate, simple, and persistent. It tends to go deciduous in the winter.
- Ceanothus leucodermis is an erect, evergreen shrub growing to about 12 feet tall with rigid, divaricate branches that have pale bark.
Ecological Role
- Ceanothus species sometimes form impenetrable thickets in the chaparral, especially a few years after disturbances.
- Ceanothus species are nitrogen-fixing shrubs, contributing to soil fertility.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Ceanothus species are associated with white fir saplings.
Further Information
- USDA PLANTS Database: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=CECO
- Discover Life: Information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Ceanothus cordulatus.
- Dave's Garden: A community sharing tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
- Calflora, The Plant List, ToL (Tree of Life Web Project), BHL (Biodiversity Heritage Library)