SafePlants

Snowbrush Ceanothus (Ceanothus velutinus)

Ceanothus velutinus, commonly known as Snowbrush ceanothus, Red Root, and Tobacco brush, is a shrub species belonging to the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae).

Considerations for Pets

• The leaves are described as sticky.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Ceanothus velutinus Douglas ex Hook.
• Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn family)
• Common Names: Snowbrush ceanothus, Red Root, Tobacco brush, Snowbrush, Tobacco-brush, Mountain balm, Buckbrush, Greasewood, Wild lilac, Tobacco brush, Deerbrush.
• Symbol: CEVE

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the mountain West, including the coastal ranges of California, Oregon, and Washington.
• Occurs on mid to high elevation sites.
• Also found in the Pacific Northwest.

Ecological Role

• Nitrogen-fixing: Ceanothus velutinus is a nitrogen-fixing plant. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. More nitrogen may be tied up in the biomass of mature snowbrush stands than in stands of other shrubs.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Evergreen shrub growing up to 2.5 meters (approximately 8 feet) tall, occasionally up to 13 feet.
• Erect to spreading shrub with brown, round, and smooth stems.
• Leaves are shiny, evergreen, strongly fragrant, sticky, and widely oval. They are alternate, simple, and persistent.
• Multi-stemmed shrub with a dense, round crown.
• Tiny, white flowers.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Small mammals and birds eat the seeds.
• Foliage provides year-round browse for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and white-tailed deer.
• Forms tripartite associations with vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae.

Traditional Uses

• Smoke from burning the plant has been used as an insecticide to kill bedbugs.
• Infusion of leaves taken for diagnosis by Great Basin Indians.