Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Rhamnaceae

Genus:

Ceanothus

Species:

Ceanothus velutinus var. velutinus

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

300 cm

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

white, cream

Evergreen Shrub:

Yes

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies, birds, deer browse

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Requires fire for germination

Fire Notes:

Exhibits serotinous seed storage in soil seed banks with heat-stimulated germination. Resprouts vigorously from root crown after fire and benefits from smoke-induced germination cues typical of fire-adapted chaparral species.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seeds have hard, impermeable seed coats requiring scarification by hot water treatment or mechanical abrasion. Smoke or heat treatment may enhance germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI