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Santa Barbara ceanothus
Scientific Name: Ceanothus impressus var. impressus
Family: Rhamnaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Tree, Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Santa Barbara Ceanothus (Ceanothus impressus)
The Ceanothus impressus, commonly known as Santa Barbara ceanothus, is a beautiful and useful evergreen shrub native to California. This plant adds vibrant color and ecological value to gardens and landscapes.
Considerations for Pets
- This shrub has small leaves.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Ceanothus impressus Trel.
- Common Names: Santa Barbara ceanothus, California lilac, Redroot, Santa Barbara buckbrush, Santa Barbara Mountain Lilac, Nipomo Mountain Lilac, Nipomo Mesa Mountain Lilac, Arroyo.
- Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn family)
- Genus: Ceanothus L.
- Variety:
- Ceanothus impressus var. impressus
- Ceanothus impressus var. nipomensis McMinn
Distribution and Habitat
- Endemic to California, particularly the Central Coast and Santa Barbara County.
- Grows in chaparral plant communities.
- Found from sea level up to elevations of 200 meters.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Evergreen shrub.
- Grows to approximately 1.5 meters (5 feet) in height and width at a medium rate.
- Upright growing habit.
- Leaves are small (1/4"-1/2") with curled margins, sometimes described as black-green and densely arranged on arching branches.
- Bright blue flowers bloom from mid-spring to early summer.
Ecological Role
- Nitrogen-fixing shrub.
Quirky Facts
- The early blooms of ceanothus in the spring can give mountains the appearance of a light snowfall when viewed from a distance.
- Austin Griffiths made an interesting selection of this plant from the Burton Mesa in northern Santa Barbara County.
Further Information
- Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.
- San Marcos Growers.
- Encyclopedia of Life.