Coast Whitethorn
Ceanothus incanus
John Rusk from Berkeley, CA, United States of America
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Rhamnaceae
- Genus:
- Ceanothus
- Species:
- Ceanothus incanus
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 12-20 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr, may, jun
- Bloom Colors:
- White, Pink
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: California
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
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open, sunny habitats
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seeds are placed in fine mesh bags, soaked for 10 seconds in boiling water and then immediately transferred in cold water. Seeds are then placed into a 1% hydrogen peroxide (3:1 water/3% hydrogen peroxide) soak for 24 hours, rinsed, and placed in water for an additional 4 hours. Seeds are sown into trays filled with stabilized medium plugs (Q-plugs). Trays are sealed inside plastic bags and placed into refrigeration at 1 to 3 °C for 90 days. Trays are checked weekly and kept moist throughout the stratification period. If mold is evident, trays should be treated with 1% hydrogen peroxide.
Establishment: Ceanothus cordulatus, also known as whitethorn ceanothus or white ceanothus, is generally found in Oregon, California, Nevada and within mattoral vegetation association of California. There is a variation in the pre-planting propagule treatments across the protocols, with one suggesting that seeds germinate at greenhouse temperatures without any specific treatment.
Source: npn.rngr.net