Hairy Ceanothus (Ceanothus oliganthus var. oliganthus) is a native shrub in the Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn) family. It is one of three recognized varieties of the species Ceanothus oliganthus. It grows primarily in the coastal hills and mountains of southern and central California, from Santa Barbara County to Los Angeles County and into Baja. It tends to grow in dry slopes, at elevations from 0-4300 feet. This is a large, erect shrub approaching 3 meters in height. The evergreen leaves are alternately arranged and may be up to 4 centimeters long. They are dark green on top, paler and hairy on the underside, and are edged with hairy teeth. The flower cluster is a series of clusters of blue or purple flowers. The fruit is a capsule which is generally smooth and not hairy.



Plant Ceanothus oliganthus var. oliganthus on rocky slopes, particularly north facing ones in the southern, drier parts of its range. This plant is fairly sensitive to summer water. Best to avoid all direct summer water after it's first year, though it will be happiest if it can stretch its roots out to a damper or irrigated area 10 feet away or so. This plant likes full sun but tolerates part shade. For further information about the species, please refer to Ceanothus Oliganthus.