Hoary Leaved Ceanothus
Ceanothus crassifolius
Care
full sun, part shade
very low
Fast; Prefers granular, well drained soil such as decomposed granite.
5–14ft tall , 5–10ft wide
Jan-Dec
Evergreen
Resistant
Prized
Supports up to 120 butterfly and moth species in Mediterranean California
Chaparral in the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains, 2500-5000 ft elevation.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your Hoary Leaved Ceanothus in full sun with fast-draining soil - decomposed granite is ideal. Space it where it has room to spread, since this shrub can reach 5 to 14 feet tall and wide. Plant in fall or winter to take advantage of the rainy season for establishment. Avoid heavy clay or compacted soils; if your soil drains slowly, amend it heavily or plant on a slope for bank stabilization.
After Planting
Water twice monthly during your first summer, then cut back dramatically once established - mature plants need virtually no summer water. After the first year, let rainfall do the work; supplemental irrigation should max out at twice a month even during dry spells. The #1 mistake Bay Area gardeners make is overwatering: this chaparral native expects drought and will rot in soggy soil. Prune lightly after spring flowering (January through March) to shape it, but avoid heavy pruning.
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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Oregon Callipelis Butterfly; California state threatened
Wildlife Supported
Insects
ceanothus is larval host plant for this California native butterfly
larval feeding period on foliage during active growth
larvae mine leaves during growing season