Deerbrush ceanothus (Ceanothus integerrimus, Bot. Beechey Voy.: 329 (1838))

Family: Rhamnaceae

Author: Hook. & Arn.

Bibliography: Bot. Beechey Voy.: 329 (1838)

Year: 1838

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ceanothus

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. U.S.A. to New Mexico

Description

Deerbrush ceanothus, scientifically known as Ceanothus integerrimus, is a notable member of the Rhamnaceae family. First recorded in the botanical literature “Bot. Beechey Voy.” in 1838 by botanists Hooker and Arnott, this species has since captured the interest of both horticulturists and environmentalists.

This deciduous shrub is native to the western regions of the United States, stretching as far east as New Mexico. It thrives in diverse habitats, including the sunny, open woodlands and forested areas of California, Oregon, and Nevada. Deerbrush ceanothus is particularly accustomed to the chaparral and foothill regions, where it plays a critical role in the local ecosystem.

The plant is well-regarded for its ornamental appeal and ecological benefits. It features long, arching branches adorned with slender, glossy green leaves. In the spring and early summer months, Deerbrush ceanothus bursts into a splendid display of fragrant flowers. These blossoms, ranging from white to pale blue, form dense, rounded clusters that attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

In addition to its aesthetic beauty, Ceanothus integerrimus is valued for its practical uses. It is known for its nitrogen-fixing properties, which improve soil fertility and benefit neighboring plant species. The shrub’s resilience to drought conditions also makes it a valuable plant for xeriscaping and restoration projects in arid and fire-prone areas.

Historically, indigenous peoples have utilized parts of the Deerbrush ceanothus for various purposes. The plant’s flowers and leaves have been used in traditional medicine to treat ailments, while its strong, flexible branches have served as material for crafting tools and everyday items.

In summary, Deerbrush ceanothus (Ceanothus integerrimus) is a versatile and ecologically significant shrub with a rich history and a bright future in both natural and cultivated landscapes. Its contributions to pollinator support, soil health, and traditional practices underscore its importance in the regions where it thrives.

Common Names

Eng: deerbrush, deerbrush ceanothus
En: Deerbrush ceanothus, California lilac, Wild Lilac, Deerbrush

Synonyms

• Ceanothus andersonii (Parry)
• Ceanothus macrothyrsus ((Torr.) Greene)
• Ceanothus integerrimus var. parviflorus (S.Watson)
• Ceanothus puberulus (Greene)
• Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. macrothyrsus (Torr.)
• Ceanothus californicus (Kellogg ex 11981)
• Ceanothus integerrimus var. mogollonicus ((Greene) McMinn)
• Ceanothus mogollonicus (Greene)
• Ceanothus nevadensis (Kellogg)
• Ceanothus myrianthus (Greene)
• Ceanothus integerrimus var. macrothyrsus ((Torr.) G.T.Benson)
• Ceanothus peduncularis (Greene)
• Ceanothus integerrimus var. puberulus ((Greene) Abrams)
• Ceanothus integerrimus var. peduncularis (Jeps.)
• Ceanothus integerrimus var. californicus ((Kellogg) G.T.Benson)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• California (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Washington (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 1, 1995 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 1, 1995 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 1, 1995 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 24, 2019 by WoodDude (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 24, 2019 by WoodDude (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 24, 2019 by WoodDude (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 24, 2019 by WoodDude (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3039382)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30133035-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ceanothus integerrimus Hook. & Arn.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Multiple Stem

Growth habit>: Shrub

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.5

Ph minimum: 7.1