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island ceanothus

Scientific Name: Ceanothus megacarpus var. insularis

Family: Rhamnaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Island Ceanothus (Ceanothus arboreus)

Common Names

  • Tree Lilac
  • Island Mt. Lilac
  • Feltleaf Ceanothus
  • Catalina Ceanothus
  • Island Ceanothus

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant produces little berries.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Ceanothus arboreus E. Greene
  • Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn family)
  • Genus: Ceanothus L.
  • Synonyms:
    • Catalina Ceanothus
    • Felt-leaf Ceanothus
    • Island Ceanothus
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Related Taxa:
    • Ceanothus megacarpus Nutt. – bigpod ceanothus
    • Ceanothus megacarpus var. insularis (Eastw.) Munz – island ceanothus (Synonym of Ceanothus megacarpus var. insularis)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Endemic to California, especially the Channel Islands.
  • Specifically found on Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and Catalina Islands.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Grows fast, reaching 20-30 feet in height at maturity. Can be trained as a small tree.
  • Considered one of the largest growing species of Ceanothus, capable of reaching 15-20 feet.
  • Has large, dark green leaves.
  • Produces medium blue flowers in 6-inch spikes. Some cultivars have deep blue flowers.

Cultivars and Hybrids

  • Ceanothus 'Owlswood Blue' is a C. arboreus hybrid with smaller, thicker leaves and deep blue flowers.
  • 'Trewithen Blue' is a cultivar of Ceanothus arboreus.