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Ceanothus integerrimus - deerbrush

Scientific Family
Rhamnaceae
Synonyms
Ceanothus andersonii, Ceanothus californicus
Other common names
deerbrush ceanothus
Plant type
Shrubs
Riparian
No

Plant Description

Origin
Native

An openly branched shrub with thin leaves, gray bark (at maturity) and flower clusters at the end of flexible twigs. The plant is drought tolerant.

Thorn-less erect shrub; leaves alternate and dropped in autumn, blades broadly elliptic to ovate, dark green above, lighter in color beneath; small, white or pale blue flowers, larger than leaves; small, round fruit.

Height
3 to 13 feet

Habitat

Habitat description

Dry slopes and ridges.

Plant Community
Interior Chaparral
Montane Conifer Forest
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Low elevation
3500
High elevation
7000

Leaves

Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaf attachment
Alternate & Opposite
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Leaf Drop
Deciduous

Glossy, deciduous leaves are approximately 2-1/2 inches long, elliptical, and have 3 main veins.

Flowers

Flower color
White or pale blue
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
May
Last bloom month
October

The flowers are generally white but can be pale blue. They occur in clusters that are 3 to 6 inches long. The 5-petaled flower is spoon-shaped and has a sweet, honey scent.

Flower clusters
Elongated

Fruit

Fruit color
Yellowish-green
Fruit type
Capsule

Seed is a 3-chambered, sticky capsule. The seeds can remain viable up to 24 years until dormancy is broken by fire scarification.

Bark/Branches

Bark color
Gray
Bark texture
Smooth

The greenish-brown color becomes gray at maturity. The twigs are flexible and yellow to pale green.