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buckbrush

Scientific Name: Ceanothus cuneatus

Family: Rhamnaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Buckbrush: A Diverse Group of Plants

The term "buckbrush" is a common name applied to several North American shrubs that serve as a food source for deer and other animals. It is associated with a variety of plant species, belonging to different genera and families.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some species referred to as buckbrush have small leaves.

Considerations for Children

  • Some species referred to as buckbrush have small leaves.
  • Native baskets can be made from buckbrush and honeysuckle.

Scientific Names and Common Names

  • Common Name: Buckbrush
  • Other common names mentioned include:
    • Maidenbrush
    • Wedgeleaf Ceanothus
    • Sedgeleaf Buckbrush
    • Monterey Ceanothus
    • Indian Currant
    • Coralberry
    • Oregon Teatree
    • Redstem Ceanothus
    • Fendler's Ceanothus
  • Scientific Names:
    • Phyllanthopsis phyllanthoides
    • Ceanothus cuneatus
    • Symphoricarpos orbiculatus
    • Purshia tridentata
    • Ceanothus fendleri

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Ceanothus cuneatus:
    • Synonym: Rhamnus cuneatus
    • Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)
  • Symphoricarpos orbiculatus:
    • Family: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family)
  • Purshia tridentata:
    • Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Buckbrush species are found throughout North America.
  • Specific locations mentioned include:
    • South-central U.S. (for Phyllanthopsis phyllanthoides)
    • Western North America (for some Ceanothus species)
    • Northeast Nebraska (for Symphoricarpos orbiculatus in rangeland, woodland, ravines and near streams)
    • Pacific Northwest (for Ceanothus cuneatus var. cuneatus)
    • Semi-desert foothills. Woodlands, shrublands, openings.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Typically shrubby plants.
  • Symphoricarpos orbiculatus grows as a deciduous shrub mostly three to six feet tall.
  • Ceanothus cuneatus has small leaves with shiny tops. The underside of the leaves reveals the plant clearly.

Ecological Role

  • Buckbrush species serve as browse for deer, sheep, and other animals.
  • Symphoricarpos orbiculatus is an important shrub in North American tallgrass prairie.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Deer feed on buckbrush.
  • Used for native baskets with honeysuckle.

Quirky Facts

  • Avery Outdoors developed BuckBrush as camo pattern.
  • Buck Brush single-reed duck call is Buck's favorite.

Further Information

  • USDA NRCS Lockeford Plant Materials (source for plant guide)
  • Lewis and Clark Herbarium/Academy of Natural Sciences