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Carmel ceanothus
Scientific Name: Ceanothus griseus
Family: Rhamnaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Ceanothus griseus: The Carmel Ceanothus
Ceanothus griseus, commonly known as Yankee Point, Carmel ceanothus, or Carmel creeper, is a flowering shrub native to California and belonging to the Buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae).
Considerations for Pets
- This plant has glossy leaves.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Ceanothus griseus
- Common Names: Yankee Point, Carmel ceanothus, Carmel creeper, California Lilac, Redroot
- Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn)
- Synonyms: Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. griseus, Ceanothus griseus (Trel.) McMinn
- Varieties: Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis is a distinct form, sometimes referred to as "Carmel Creeper". There are also cultivars like Ceanothus griseus horizontalis 'Diamond Heights' and Ceanothus griseus horizontalis 'Yankee Point' and Ceanothus griseus 'Kurt Zadnik'.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to California, particularly the central coast and Monterey areas.
- Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. griseus is specifically mentioned as native to California.
Morphology and Growth Habits
- Evergreen shrub.
- Commonly grows to a height of two to three feet and can spread up to ten feet wide.
- Forms a mounding mass.
- Leaves are glossy and green.
- Flowers are blue.
- Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis (Carmel Creeper) has slightly larger, paler leaves and lighter blue flowers compared to the species.
- Leaves are oval and can reach 2 inches in length.
- Some cultivars, like Ceanothus griseus horizontalis 'Diamond Heights', are variegated.
- Some cultivars like Ceanothus griseus horizontalis can grow to 1.5-3 feet tall and wide.
Ecological Role
- Ceanothus is a good addition to a habitat garden offering food and cover for birds and attracting butterflies.
Cultivation
- Carmel Ceanothus tolerates both full sun and partial shade.
- Carmel Creeper ('Yankee Point') can tolerate more water than other Ceanothus varieties.
- Used as ground cover, on banks or walls, or as a foreground to shrub groupings.
Further Information
- RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides help and information on Ceanothus griseus Carmel ceanothus.
- Burncoose Nurseries sells Ceanothus Griseus 'Yankee Point' plants.
- Monrovia provides details and information on Ceanothus griseus horizontalis 'Diamond Heights'.
- UCSC Natural Reserves website includes information on Carmel Ceanothus (Ceanothus griseus).