Feltleaf Ceanothus

Ceanothus arboreus

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rhamnaceae
Genus:
Ceanothus
Species:
Ceanothus arboreus

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
20-40 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
feb, mar, apr, may
Bloom Colors:
Blue

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Periploca ceanothiella, Tischeria bifurcata

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus), Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to coastal chaparral and woodlands

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Surface sterilize seed coats with a 5 minute 1 to 5% bleach solution. Follow with a 20 to 25 hour hot water soak and then 6.5 to 8 weeks of cold moist stratification at 40 F.

Establishment: Seeds are hand collected when fully matured, typically from May to July. The species is native to southern California and the Channel islands.

Source: npn.rngr.net