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desert ceanothus
Scientific Name: Ceanothus greggii var. greggii
Family: Rhamnaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Ceanothus greggii (Desert Ceanothus)
Ceanothus greggii, commonly known as Desert Ceanothus, is a shrub species belonging to the buckthorn family, Rhamnaceae.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant is described as a "heavily browsed, thorny shrub." The thorns might pose a physical hazard to pets.
Considerations for Children
- The plant is characterized by "short, rigid, grayish-white branches" and is described as "thorny." The thorns and rigid branches might pose a physical hazard.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Ceanothus greggii A. Gray
- Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)
- Variety: Ceanothus greggii var. franklinii S.L. Welsh
- Synonyms/Common Names: Desert Ceanothus, Mountain Buckbrush, Gregg Ceanothus, Mountain Balm, Wild Lilac, Red Root, Desert Buckthorn, Gregg's Ceanothus
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the southwestern United States and California.
- Found outside of California but confined to specific regions.
- Grows in the Tehachapi Mountains, the western transverse ranges, the White and Inyo ranges, and the desert mountains.
- Specifically noted as being found near Sedona, Arizona along Boynton Canyon Trail.
- Typically found on rocky and often brushy slopes above 2000 feet.
Morphological Characteristics
- Intricately-branched, rounded shrub.
- Short, rigid, grayish-white branches.
- Tiny, opposite, leathery leaves.
- Leaves are oval to obovate, 1/3 to 3/4 inch long, with entire or often toothed margins.
- Can form impenetrable thickets.
- Some collections are twiggy subshrubs ranging from 3 to 6 feet in height.
Leaf Venation
- Leaves of Ceanothus greggii are reticulately veined, distinguishing them from Ceanothus fendleri, which has leaves that are conspicuously three-veined from the base.
Further Information
- Flora of North America: Find Ceanothus greggii in the Flora of North America (if available).
- USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.
- Discover Life: Page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.