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bigpod ceanothus
Scientific Name: Ceanothus megacarpus var. megacarpus
Family: Rhamnaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Ceanothus megacarpus - Bigpod Ceanothus
Ceanothus megacarpus, commonly known as Bigpod Ceanothus, is a flowering shrub native to California.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant has grayish brown or reddish bark when mature, and fine stiff hairs on young branchlets.
- The plant produces large seed pods.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Ceanothus megacarpus Nutt.
- Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn family)
- Common Names: Bigpod Ceanothus, Big-pod buckbrush, Big-pod ceanothus
- Subspecies: Ceanothus megacarpus var. megacarpus Nutt. is an accepted name.
- Synonyms/Related Taxa: Mentions a Ceanothus verrucosus-megacarpus complex.
Distribution and Habitat
- Ceanothus megacarpus is endemic to California.
- Specifically mentioned as native to the Santa Monica Mountains.
- Found in chaparral habitats, including higher points of certain preserves.
- A subspecies, Ceanothus megacarpus s. insularis, is noted to grow only on Santa Cruz and San Miguel Islands (though not seen on San Miguel since a certain time).
Ecological Role
- An obligate seeder after fire, playing a role in post-fire ecology alongside species like Laurel Sumac.
- Germination is increased by scorching, suggesting a fire-adapted species.
- In areas with more regular burns, Chamise gives way to Ceanothus, indicating a successional relationship.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- An evergreen shrub, typically growing to 3 to 12 feet tall.
- Described as a large shrub to a multiple-stemmed small tree.
- Has grayish brown or reddish bark.
- Young branchlets have fine stiff hairs.
- Early flowering, sometimes as early as December, with heavy blooms of pure white flowers.
- Usually compact, similar to *Ceanothus*.
Quirky Facts
- The Chumash people knew the Big Pod Ceanothus as "sekh."
Further Information
- RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) is mentioned as a source of information.
- ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System) checklist is listed.
- Dave's Garden is mentioned as a resource with gardening tips and ideas.