SafePlants

Mendocino Ceanothus (Ceanothus mendocinensis)

Ceanothus mendocinensis, commonly known as Mendocino Ceanothus, is a shrub belonging to the plant family Rhamnaceae.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that Ceanothus species are shrubs. Shrubs may present physical hazards to pets, such as potential ingestion of plant material.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that Ceanothus species are shrubs. Shrubs may present physical hazards to children, such as potential ingestion of plant material.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Ceanothus mendocinensis McMinn
• Common Name: Mendocino Ceanothus
• Family: Rhamnaceae
• Rank: Species; Hybrid (Ceanothus x mendocinensis McMinn)
• Synonyms: Mentions *Ceanothus x mendocinensis* as a hybrid
• Related Taxa:
  • Ceanothus thyrsiflorus
  • Ceanothus velutinus
  • Ceanothus integerrimus var. macrothyrsus
  • Ceanothus incanus
  • Ceanothus cordulatus
  • Ceanothus foliosus var. vineatus McMinn
  • Ceanothus cuneatus
  • Ceanothus gloriosus var. exaltatus J. Howell. USDA PLANTS Symbol: CEGLE
  • Ceanothus masonii
  • Ceanothus serrulatus
  • Ceanothus confusus
  • Ceanothus ferrisiae
  • Ceanothus greggii
  • Ceanothus griseus
  • Ceanothus maritimus &#39Frosty Dawn&#39

Distribution and Habitat

• Mendocino Ceanothus is found in the wild in locations like the Sea Ranch, California.
• Specifically mentioned locations include Mendocino County, Sonoma County, and the Mendocino National Forest (Tar Flat Forest area).
• It is associated with specific regions such as the Mendocino Coast and Brooktrails in Mendocino County.

Morphological Characteristics

• Ceanothus mendocinensis is a shrub.
• Some varieties, like Ceanothus foliosus var. vineatus, are creeping or low-spreading shrubs with larger leaves.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The Ceanothus Silk Moth (Hyalophora) utilizes Ceanothus shrubs for habitat and potentially as a food source. Saturnia mendocino are sometimes found on Ceanothus

Resources and Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
• Garden Guides
• CalPhotos
• British Database of World Flora and Fauna

Quirky Facts

• The text references "Plants Used by the Indians of Mendocino County, California" (Chestnut, V. K. 1902), suggesting a history of traditional uses of Ceanothus by indigenous peoples in the area.
• Several other species of *Ceanothus* are known under the umbrella term "Mendocino Ceanothus", even though this is technically incorrect.