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Fendler's ceanothus

Scientific Name: Ceanothus fendleri

Family: Rhamnaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Ceanothus fendleri

Also known as Fendler's ceanothus, Fendler's buckbrush, deer brier, mountain lilac, or Fendler Ceanothus.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is a thorny shrub with thorn-tipped branches.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant is a thorny shrub with thorn-tipped branches.
  • The red, berrylike fruits are reported to be edible.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Ceanothus fendleri A. Gray
  • Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Ceanothus fendleri var. venosus Trel.
    • Ceanothus fendleri var. viridis M.E. Jones

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to northern Mexico, Arizona, New Mexico, and the western U.S.
  • Found in montane woodlands, specifically in pinon and juniper woodlands and pine forests.
  • Observed at locations such as Bear Creek Trail in Colorado and within the Pike and San Isabel National Forests.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Deciduous shrub growing up to 2 meters (6 ft 7 in) tall at a fast rate.
  • Hardy to zone (UK) 5.
  • Thorny shrub, seldom over 3 ft tall, with bluish-gray, smooth, thorn-tipped branches.
  • Habit varies.
  • Leaves are alternate, simple, evergreen, ovate to oblong, and finely toothed.
  • Tiny, creamy white flowers grow in dense clusters at the end of the branches, blooming from June to August.
  • Produces red, berrylike fruits.

Ecological Role

  • Studies have been conducted on the responses of Ceanothus fendleri to overstory thinning, prescribed fire, and drought in Arizona ponderosa pine forests.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Serves as a host plant for the Pale Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio eurymedon), which lays its eggs on the plant.
  • Studies have investigated the impact of herbivores on stem size, morphology, and flower production in Ceanothus fendleri.

Traditional Uses

  • The Keres people of the Western U.S. traditionally chewed the leaves for sore mouths.

Quirky Facts

  • The plant's stem spine is a notable feature.
  • The red, berrylike fruits are edible.

Further Information

  • TSN 28467
  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • USDA Forest Service images available.