Redstem Ceanothus

Ceanothus sanguineus

Taxonomy

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

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
8-12 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may, jun, jul
Bloom Colors:
White
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Native Range

United States: California, Idaho, Michigan, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, Canada: British Columbia

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

Ceanothus Silkmoth (Hyalophora euryalus), Chionodes ceanothiella, common gray (Anavitrinella pampinaria), Gelechia monella, juturna wave (Sericosema juturnaria), Kaslo silkmoth (Hyalophora "kasloensis"), Ochre Euchlaena (Euchlaena marginaria), Sericosema wilsonensis, California tortoiseshell (Nymphalis californica), Hedgerow Hairstreak (Satyrium saepium), Pale Swallowtail (Papilio eurymedon)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Hunt's bumble bee (Bombus huntii), Hunt's bumble bee (Bombus huntii), van Dyke bumble bee (Bombus vandykei), van Dyke bumble bee (Bombus vandykei)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, rocky or sandy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers open, sunny locations in its native range

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Cuttings: Cut into 20-30 cm lengths, 1 cm in caliper, treat with 2000 ppm liquid IBA, and struck in mist bed with bottom heat. Seeds: Scarify by hot water at temperatures of 176-194°F for 5-10 seconds, transfer to cold water, imbibe water for 1 day, then cold stratify for 90 days.

Establishment: Cuttings taken in early May had the highest rooting percentages. Roots are susceptible to excessive moisture; cuttings should be uppotted into a well drained media and carefully stored overwinter. Seedlings need excellent drainage, good air flow, and sunlight. Damping off disease and foliar diseases can be a problem with this species. Careful attention to irrigation frequency is needed during the establishment phase and should be done in the early morning so foliage can dry during the day.

Source: npn.rngr.net