Chaparral Whitethorn
Ceanothus leucodermis
Anthony Valois and the National Park Service
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Rhamnaceae
- Genus:
- Ceanothus
- Species:
- Ceanothus leucodermis
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, Blue
- 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
Orgyia cana (Orgyia cana), Periploca ceanothiella, Saturnia albofasciata, Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Common in chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: None required
Establishment: C. leucodermis is found within mattoral vegetation association of California.
Source: npn.rngr.net