Chaparral Whitethorn (Ceanothus leucodermis)
Description
Ceanothus leucodermis is a species of shrub in the buckthorn family Rhamnaceae known by the common name chaparral whitethorn. It is native to California and Baja California, where it grows in coastal and inland mountain habitat, such as chaparral, coniferous forest, and oak woodland. It is a thorny shrub growing erect to heights approaching 4 meters. The bark is gray-white, waxy, and somewhat hairy, especially when new. The twigs harden into sharp-tipped thorns as they age. The evergreen leaves are alternately arranged, oval in shape and up to about 4 centimeters long. The edges are smooth or lined with tiny hairy teeth. The flower cluster is a long, stalked cluster of flowers in shades of blue, lavender, or white. The fruit is a sticky, three-lobed capsule about half a centimeter long. This Ceanothus is an important browse for several types of ungulates, such as the mule deer and bighorn sheep, who prefer the new growth and shoots to the older, spiny parts. This plant has a reputation for being difficult to grow, but if properly sited, it's fast growing and easy to keep alive. It is better suited to the mountains or interior valleys rather than the coast. In the drier part of its range, it does best on north facing slopes and on dry flats with good drainage. It's best to plant this species in the winter once the rains start, with plenty of mulch and a few nice rocks around the rootball. It's also a good idea to plant it mixed in the other shrubs to protect the roots from direct sun. After the plant is established, discontinue significant direct watering. It'll stay green all summer if there's a nearby irrigated area it can reach its roots out to.
Taxonomic tree
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Domain: Eukarya
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Kingdom: Plantae
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Phylum: Magnoliophyta
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Class: Magnoliopsida
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Order: Rosales
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Family: Rhamnaceae
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Genus: Ceanothus
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