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redstem ceanothus
Scientific Name: Ceanothus sanguineus
Family: Rhamnaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: MI (redstem ceanothus or wild lilac)
Redstem Ceanothus (Ceanothus sanguineus)
The Ceanothus sanguineus, commonly known as redstem ceanothus, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae).
Considerations for Pets
- This plant is a shrub.
Considerations for Children
- This plant is a shrub and can form thickets.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Ceanothus sanguineus
- Common Names: Redstem Ceanothus, Oregon Teatree, Buck Brush
- Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn family)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to western North America.
- Found throughout the Pacific Northwest region at low to mid-elevations.
- Occurs on relatively moist slopes.
- Can persist on soils with very low organic content.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Deciduous shrub, typically growing to 2 meters (6ft 7in) but can reach 3-10 feet tall.
- Erect and loosely branched, often forming thickets.
- Stems are green when new, becoming red to purple with age.
- Leaves are alternate, simple, deciduous, and ovate.
- Petiole (leaf stalk) is less than 1 inch long.
Ecological Role
- Nitrogen-fixing shrub. Some of this nitrogen can be utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby
- Important browse plant.
Quirky Facts
- The leaves can be used to make tea.
- The leaves emit a spicy-sweet odor.
Further Information
- Consortium of Pacific Northwest Herbaria: View specimens of Ceanothus sanguineus.
- USDA Forest Service research paper (PNW) on pregermination treatments for redstem ceanothus seeds.
- Discover Life page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Redstem Ceanothus.