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bigpod ceanothus

Scientific Name: Ceanothus megacarpus

Family: Rhamnaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Bigpod Ceanothus (Ceanothus megacarpus)

Ceanothus megacarpus, commonly known as Bigpod Ceanothus, is a flowering shrub native to California.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant has rough grey bark.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Ceanothus megacarpus Nutt.
  • Common Name: Bigpod Ceanothus
  • Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Subspecies (e.g., Ceanothus megacarpus var. megacarpus)
  • Synonyms/Related Taxa:
    • Big-pod buckbrush
    • Big-pod ceanothus
    • Megacarpus (used in the context of plant information)
    • Island big-pod Ceanothus (Ceanothus megacarpus s. insularis)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Endemic to California.
  • Common in chaparral ecosystems.
  • Found in the Santa Monica Mountains.
  • Grows on the higher points of preserves.
  • Specifically mentioned in locations like Sycamore Canyon, Niguel Hill, and near the Backbone Trail Kanan Road trailhead.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Evergreen shrub that usually grows to six feet tall, sometimes higher.
  • Can grow to 12 feet tall.
  • May resemble Wart-Stem Ceanothus.
  • Has pure white flowers.
  • Early flowering, sometimes as early as December, and blooms heavily.
  • Has large seed pods.
  • Grayish brown or reddish bark.
  • Young branchlets have fine stiff hairs.
  • Can be a large shrub to multiple-stemmed small tree.
  • Unarmed and much-branched.

Ecological Role

  • Obligate seeder after fire, meaning it relies on seed dispersal and germination following fire events.
  • In areas with regular burns, it replaces Chamise (likely referring to Adenostoma fasciculatum).
  • Scorching increases germination.
  • Found in chaparral habitat with black sage.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Coexists with Laurel Sumac (Rhus laurina) in some fire-prone areas.
  • Grows in chaparral habitats alongside black sage (Salvia mellifera).

Further Information

  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides information.
  • Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
  • Discover Life
  • Dave's Garden
  • Jerusalem Botanical Gardens
  • Regional Parks Botanic Garden Picture of the Day