The wedgeleaf ceanothus is a woody, evergreen shrub native to western North America. It typically grows 4-10 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide, forming a dense, mounded shape. In spring, it produces an abundance of small, fragrant white or pale lavender flowers that attract birds and insects. Well-suited for dry, sunny landscapes, it requires little care once established and provides erosion control and wildlife habitat.

1. Wedgeleaf Ceanothus – Ceanothus cuneatus var. cuneatus
(see-a-NO-thus kew-nee-AY-tus)
Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckbrush Family)
Native to: Western CA from OR to Baja; common on dry, rocky slopes, fans & ridges, to 6000', in
foothill chaparral, pinyon-juniper and yellow pine woodland.
woody shrub
mature height: 4-8 or 10 ft.
mature width: 6-8 ft.
Mounded, many-branched evergreen shrub – usually erect – with stiff branches and leaves. Twigs
& branches gray to darker gray-brown with woody spines. Leaves simple, rounded usually dull but
may be shiny medium green. Rather attractive shape – may be almost tree-like in nature. Fast
growth rate – probably lives to about 50 years. Has deep, branched taproot – drought tolerant.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in spring – usually Feb-Apr but may be later. Flowers are small, usually
white or buff but may be pale lavender, in dense clusters. Individual flowers have the unique
characteristics of Ceanothus - 5 alternating petals & sepals with 5 stamens opposite the petals.
Plants are really showy in bloom – masses of flowers. Flowers have musky sweet scent. Fruit is a
horned capsule that explodes when dry to expel the seeds.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most useful as a back-bed shrub or pruned as a small specimen ‘tree’. Very
showy in bloom – white blossoms would look nice with blue-flowering Ceanothus species. Can be
pruned as a informal hedge or hedgerow plant. Excellent for naturalizing on hot, dry hillsides, where
it will prevent erosion. Good all-round habitat plant. Leaves/flowers make nice tea. Dye plant.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native evergreen shrubs like Photinia, many others.
Excellent bird habitat: provides cover and seeds enjoyed by bushtits, mockingbirds, quail
and finches. Larval host plant for White-streaked saturnia moth (Saturnia albofasciata). Many small
animals like rabbits, lizards, etc hide/feed & nest under it. Deer/other herbivores browse foliage.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to very light shade.
Well-drained soils, including rocky soils.
Fairly dry once established – Zone 1-2 probably optimal (occasional summer water)
None; but likes an organic mulch.
Dislikes being moved – long taproot. Pruning should be done right after flowering.
Never prune branches that are thicker than a pencil. Establish shape when plant is young.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed or moist-cold 2-3 months by cuttings: current year’s growth
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 8, 10, 13, 16, 21, 24
10/19/10
© Project SOUND