About Ceanothus arboreus Greene
Ceanothus arboreus is a spreading shrub that reaches heights of 3.7 to 11.0 meters (12 to 36 feet). It bears large, glossy, dark green leaves, which have a leathery or felt-like texture on their undersides. Its showy bright blue flowers grow in abundant panicles (bunches) of tiny five-lobed blossoms. Some varieties and cultivars produce light powder purple blooms, while others have darker purple flowers. Its blooming season runs from February to April. It produces three-lobed, triangular capsule fruits. This species is endemic to three of California’s Channel Islands: Santa Cruz Island, Santa Rosa Island, and Santa Catalina Island. It also occurs on Guadalupe Island in Mexico, where it grows on slopes in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. Ceanothus arboreus is cultivated as an ornamental plant, used in drought-tolerant gardens, wildlife gardens, and natural landscaping projects. Butterflies are attracted to its flowers, and quail eat its seeds.
