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Rhamnaceae
Blueblossom
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus
California spirit.
- Family
- Rhamnaceae
- Genus
- Ceanothus
- Native to
- Western North America, California, Oregon
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Type
- evergreen shrub
- Height
- 6-15 ft
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil
- Well-drained, poor to moderate fertility
- Water
- low
- Hardiness
- 8-10
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- Blueblossom is sometimes called 'California lilac' despite being unrelated to true lilacs.
- The plant has nitrogen-fixing root nodules, allowing it to thrive in poor soils and improve them for neighboring plants.
- When in full bloom, a blueblossom shrub hums audibly with the thousands of bees visiting its tiny flowers.
- Ceanothus flowers produce a natural soap-like lather when crushed with water, and Native Americans used them for washing.
- Blueblossom is the tallest species of Ceanothus, sometimes growing into a small tree up to 20 feet tall in coastal areas.
Color meanings
0
freedom
1
natural beauty
2
independence