Buckbrush
Ceanothus cuneatus var. cuneatus
Care
full sun
very low
Fast; Variable but needs fast drainage. Tolerates serpentine soil..
5–12ft tall , 5–12ft wide
Jan-Dec
Evergreen
Resistant
Friendly
Prized
Supports up to 120 butterfly and moth species in Mediterranean California
Chaparral throughout the Sierra Nevada foothills, Coast Ranges, and interior ranges from 500-4000 ft elevation, endemic to California.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant buckbrush in full sun in a location with fast-draining soil - it's adaptable to many soil types, including serpentine, as long as water doesn't pool around the roots. Space plants according to their mature size (5–12 feet tall and spreading), keeping in mind they'll fill out as informal hedges or focal points. Fall through early spring is ideal planting time in the Bay Area. Avoid heavy clay or poorly draining spots, which will cause root rot.
After Planting
Water weekly during your first summer to establish the plant, then taper to once monthly or less once established - buckbrush is extremely drought tolerant and needs very little supplemental water after year one. The main mistake people make is overwatering; let the soil dry out between waterings and never irrigate if winter/spring rains are falling. Beyond establishing it, buckbrush requires minimal maintenance and will reward you with abundant white (sometimes blue or lavender-tinted) spring flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
California state threatened species
Listed under California ESA
Wildlife Supported
Insects
primary larval host plant, early spring flight March-April
larval host plant, caterpillars feed on young leaves May-June
larval host plant, multiple broods May-September
larvae feed on new spring foliage April-June, critical early season food source
specialist bee foraging for pollen, important early season forage
larval host plant, caterpillars feed on foliage in late spring
forages for nectar during flowering period
larval host plant for early spring emergence
+4 more species
Mammals
collects and caches seeds in late summer-fall for winter food stores