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dwarf ceanothus
Scientific Name: Ceanothus pumilus
Family: Rhamnaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub, Subshrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Ceanothus: A Versatile Genus
The genus Ceanothus encompasses a diverse range of shrubs and small trees, both evergreen and deciduous, known for their vibrant displays of blue, pink, or white flowers. Several species and varieties are particularly popular for their compact or dwarf growth habits, making them excellent choices for smaller gardens and containers.
Considerations for Pets
- Leaves are noted as simple.
- Some varieties can have profuse axillary or terminal clusters.
Considerations for Children
- Leaves are noted as simple.
- Some varieties can have profuse axillary or terminal clusters.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Genus: Ceanothus L.
- Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)
The genus Ceanothus includes approximately 50-60 species.
Common Names
- Creeping Blue Blossom (referring to Ceanothus thyrsiflorus Var Repens)
- Dwarf Ceanothus (referring to Ceanothus pumilus and other dwarf varieties)
- Siskiyou Mat (referring to Ceanothus pumilus)
- Dwarf Mountain Lilac
- Redstem Ceanothus (referring to Ceanothus sanguineus)
- Sandscrub Ceanothus (referring to Ceanothus dentatus)
- Californian Lilac (general term)
- Wild Lilac (general term)
Distribution and Habitat
- Many Ceanothus species are native to California.
- Some species, like Ceanothus pumilus, are found in the Siskiyou Mountains.
- While many are native to the West Coast, some Ceanothus can be found as far east as the Midwest and East Coast.
Morphological Characteristics
- Ceanothus can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs or small trees.
- Leaves are simple.
- Flowers are small and appear in profuse axillary or terminal clusters.
- Some varieties, like Ceanothus pumilus, are mat-forming groundcovers.
- Dwarf varieties typically grow to a maximum of one or two feet in height.
Ecological Role
- Ceanothus species are nitrogen-fixing plants.
Species Spotlights
- Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. repens: A vigorous, low-spreading evergreen shrub.
- Ceanothus pumilus: A mat-forming groundcover, also known as Siskiyou mat or Dwarf Ceanothus.
- Ceanothus dentatus: Known as Sandscrub Ceanothus and endemic to California.
- Ceanothus sanguineus: Known as Redstem Ceanothus.
- Ceanothus impressus 'Vandenberg': Also known as Dwarf Santa Barbara.
Synonyms
- Ceanothus x humboldtensis J.B. Roof is a synonym for Ceanothus pumilus.
Quirky Facts
- Some varieties of Ceanothus are known as "Californian Lilac", despite not being closely related to true lilacs (Syringa).
Further Information
- Burncoose Nurseries: A source for purchasing Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. repens plants.
- Discover Life: Provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Ceanothus pumilus.