Brodiaea elegans is a species of flowering plant in the Themidaceae (Lily or Asparagus) family, cluster-lily genus, known by the common names Harvest Brodiaea and Elegant Cluster-lily. It is native to the mountain ranges of California and Oregon, where it grows in woodlands and meadows. In California it is found in the Coast Ranges, Klamath Range, Central Valley and Sierra foothills. This perennial grows from a corm and produces a stout stemlike flower cluster up to 50 centimeters tall. It bears showy flowers on pedicels up to 10 centimeters long. Each flower has six curving petals up to 3 centimeters long in shades of bright purple. In the center of the flower are white or pale purple sterile stamens known as staminodes; these are flat with pointed or toothed tips and between one half and one centimeter in length. Next to these are the fertile stamens topped with large anthers. In Northern California, Brodiaea elegans is one of the later blooming wildflowers, often seen in May and having a very long flowering season.

Brodiaea jolonensis is a species of flowering plant in the cluster-lily genus known by the common name chaparral brodiaea. It is native to the coast and coastal mountain ranges of the southern half of California and northern Baja California. It is a perennial producing an flower cluster up to about 15 centimeters tall bearing blue-purple flowers on pedicels a few centimeters long. Each flower has six curving petals between 1 and 2 centimeters in length. The center of the flower contains three fertile stamens ringed with three prominent sterile stamens called staminodes.

Brodiaea kinkiensis is a species of Brodiaea also with the common name San Clemente Island brodiaea. This flower is endemic to San Clemente Island, one of the Channel Islands of California. It has one cylindrical leaf alongside a tall stem which bears an flower cluster of one to several bell-shaped blooms. Each flower has six petallike petals in shades of light purple with darker purple longitudinal stripes or streaks. The fruit is a capsule containing black seeds. This flower is not considered endangered, but it is of some concern since its entire wild distribution is limited to the clay mesas of San Clemente Island.

Brodiaea minor is a species of flowering plant in the cluster-lily genus known by the common names dwarf brodiaea and vernalpool brodiaea. It is endemic to central California, where it grows in the grassland habitat of the Central Valley and adjacent Sierra Nevada foothills. It is a small perennial producing an erect flower cluster up to 10 centimeters tall which bears light purple flowers on short pedicels. Each flower is urn-shaped with narrow, spreading petals 1 to 2 centimeters long. In the center of the flower are three fertile stamens and three prominent, protruding sterile stamens known as staminodes.

Bromus carinatus is a species of native bunchgrass known by the common names California Brome and Mountain Brome. It is native to western North America from Alaska to northern Mexico, where it can be found in many types of habitat. It is found in every county in California. It is a perennial grass growing in clumps 0.5 to 1.5 meters tall, with many narrow leaves up to 40 centimeters long. The flower cluster is a spreading or drooping array of flat spikelets longer than they are wide. The grass is wind-pollinated but is also sometimes cleistogamous, so that the flowers pollinate themselves, especially under stressful conditions. It also reproduces vegetatively via tillers. This grass is used for control of erosion and revegetation of damaged land, as well as a highly palatable forage for livestock. In the garden it has a reputation for being short-lived but readily re-seeds. It completes well with non-native weeds, and its sod-building root system makes it useful for erosion control.

Calochortus argillosus is a species of flowering plant in the lily family which is known by the common name clay mariposa lily. It is endemic to coastal central California, where it grows in hard clay soils in the local mountains. This is a perennial herb producing an unbranching stem to heights between 40 and 60 centimeters. The leaf at the base of the stem is narrow in shape, reaching up to 30 centimeters long withering away at flowering. The flower cluster bears 1 to 4 erect bell-shaped flowers. Each flower has three sepals and three petals up to 4 centimeters long. The petals are rounded in shape and white to pink in base color with a central spot or streaking of red, purple, and yellow. The fruit is a narrow capsule up to 6 centimeters long.

Calochortus longibarbatus is a species of flowering plant in the lily family with the common names long-haired star-tulip and longbeard mariposa lily. It is native to Oregon, Washington, and northern California, where it grows in the forest and woodlands of the mountains. It is a bulb-producing perennial herb which produces a branching stem up to about 30 centimeters tall. Flowers are upright, bell-shaped, pink to lavender with darker markings on the petals.

Long Haired Star Tulip (Calochortus longebarbatus var. longebarbatus) is a rare native perennial herb that grows in Northern California, primarily in the Warner Mountains, the High Cascade Range and Modoc Plateau regions. It tends to grow in vernal meadows and heavy clay soil, at elevations from 3900-6200 feet.

Calochortus luteus, or Yellow mariposa lily is a species of the Liliaceae endemic to California. This species is found on coastal prairie, grasslands and some open forest floors primarily in the central Coast Ranges and Sierra foothills. Like other Mariposa Lilies it grows from a bulb, with most of its growth occurring in winter, followed by spring flowering and summer dormancy. It requires good drainage and must be kept mostly dry in summer. The leaves arising directly from the bulbare strap-like and long. The flower is 3-5 centimeter across and primarily bright yellow, with sparse hair inside and often red-brown streaks or blotches. It is reported to be one of the easiest Mariposa Lilies to grow in the garden.

Calochortus monophyllus is a species of flowering plant in the lily family known by the common name yellow star-tulip. It is native to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and southernmost Cascades in California, its range probably extending north just into Oregon. It is a perennial herb producing a slender, sometimes branched stem up to about 20 centimeters tall. The basal leaf is 10 to 30 centimeters in length and does not wither at flowering. There may be smaller leaves located along the stem. The flower cluster bears 1 to 6 erect, bell-shaped flowers. Each flower has three pointed sepals and three more rounded petals, all bright to deep yellow. The petals may have some dark reddish spotting at the bases and are coated densely with yellow hairs on the inner surfaces. The fruit is a winged capsule one or two centimeters long.

Calochortus splendens is a species Liliaceae (Lily) family known by the common name Splendid Mariposa Lily. It is native to California and Baja California where it is found primarily near the coast, in foothills and valleys and on the west slope of the mountains. Growing from a bulb, it is usually found coming up among dense, low shrubs, herbs or grasses. It is a thin-stemmed lily with few leaves and bearing flowers singly or in flower clusters of up to four. Each flower is ringed with smaller, ribbonlike, curling leaves. The bowl-shaped flowers are of varying shades of blue, pink, purple, or lavender, with a spot of darker purple at the base of each petal. The flower may have numerous white hairs in the center and bright purple pollen. In the wild it blooms profusely following fire and then may not bloom again for years. In the garden do not expect it to bloom every year as flowering requires considerable expenditure of stored energy from the bulb.

Calochortus venustus is a species of flowering plant in the lily family known by the common name butterfly mariposa lily. It is endemic to California, where it can be found in the sandy soils of a number of habitats in the mountains and foothills in the central part of the state. It is a perennial herb producing a branching stem 10 to 60 centimeters tall. There is a basal leaf up to 20 centimeters long which withers by the time the plant blooms. The flower cluster is a loose cluster of 1 to 6 erect, bell-shaped flowers. The flowers are variable in size and color pattern, though white is the most common color. They are often showy and intricately patterned. They generally have three curving sepals 2 or 3 centimeters long and three oval-shaped, clawed petals up to 5 centimeters long. The petals may be a variety of colors from white to pale pink or purple to bright red or orange, and sport a large dark central blotch and a smaller, paler blotch above. The fruit is an angled capsule 5 or 6 centimeters long. Although they tend to grow singly in the wild, they have more visual impact when massed in the garden. This plant needs summer dormancy, so withhold water after it has finished blooming.

Calochortus vestae is a species of flowering plant in the lily family known by the common name coast range mariposa lily. It is endemic to the forests of the North Coast Ranges of California, where it generally grows in clay soils. It is a perennial herb producing a branching stem between 30 and 50 centimeters tall. The basal leaf is 10 to 20 centimeters long and withers by flowering. The flower cluster is a loose cluster of 1 to 6 erect, bell-shaped flowers. Each flower has three petals up to about 4 centimeters long and three sepals 2 to 3 centimeters long beneath. The petals are white to purplish in color with a central area of pale yellow with a darker reddish or brownish blotch within. At the base of each petal is a red-streaked patch of hairs.

Spice bush (Calycanthus occidentalis) is a deciduous shrub with bright green leaves and unusual  lotus-shaped red flowers that can resemble a small magnolia flower. The flowers are strongly scented, with a wine-like fragrance, and appear from late spring through early autumn. Sap beetles pollinate the flowers. The bark also has a strong smell, like camphor,  that is released when the stems are scraped. 

Left alone, it will become a large, rounded shrub 3 to 13 feet tall and 3 to 12 feet wide.  Trimmed, it can become a multi-trunked small tree. Part-shade is ideal for this plant but it tolerates full sun with lots of moisture in somewhat cooler areas. It accepts full shade but will grow more slowly with a more open habit. It is adaptable to different types of soil, and is somewhat deer resistant. 

Horticultural selection from Calystegia macrostegia from Anacapa Island. Island Morning Glory is a twining vine with large pale pink flowers. Calystegia macrostegia is native in rocky areas of chaparral, coastal sage scrub on most of the Channel Islands. In interior gardens we advise providing some afternoon shade,but it takes full sun near the coast. In coastal gardens it is glorious for fence lines or to cover an unsightly wall, but is also an excellent groundcover. It has a long flowering cycle and lush green leaves. It is best trimmed back in winter for a full, lush look the next spring.

Horticultural selection C. macrostegia: origin = cuttings from Anacapa Island; intro University of California, Los Angeles 19__ Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun or part shade in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. A selection for the garden from Anacapa Island.

Camassia quamash, commonly known as camas, small camas, common camas, common camash or quamash, is a perennial herb. It is one species of the genus Camassia and is native to western North America in large areas of southern Canada and the northwestern United States, from British Columbia and Alberta to California and east from Washington state to Montana and Wyoming. Though the once-immense spreads of camas lands have diminished because of modern developments and agriculture, numerous camas prairies and marshes may still be seen today. In the Great Basin, expanded settlement by whites accompanied by turning cattle and hogs onto camas prairies greatly diminished food available to native tribes and increased tension between Native Americans and settlers and travelers. Both the Bannock and Nez Perce Wars began after Nez Perce became incensed at the failure of the US government to uphold treaties, and at settlers who plowed up their camas prairies, which they depended on for subsistence. Growth pattern. It is a perennial herbaceous monocot with leaves emerging from a persistent bulb in a basal rosette. Leaves, stems, and roots. The stems have a length between 30 and 90 centimetres (12 and 35 in). The leaves are basal and have a grass-like appearance. Inflorescence and fruit. The pale blue to deep blue flowers appear in late spring to early summer (May to June in their native habitat). They are arranged in a raceme at the end of the stem. Each of the radially symmetrical, star-shaped flowers has six petals. Taxonomy.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Camissonia bistorta is a species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family known by the common names southern suncup and California suncup. It is native to southern California and Baja California, where it grows in several types of plant community along the coast and in the coastal hills and mountain ranges. This is a hairy annual or perennial herb spreading from a basal rosette with stems reaching up to 80 centimeters long. Leaves are lance-shaped to narrowly arrowhead-shaped and sometimes toothed, and 1 to 12 centimeters in length. Toward the end of the spreading stems are nodding flower clusters of flowers, each flower with four bright yellow petals dotted with red at their bases. At the center are stamens and a protruding, nearly spherical stigma. The fruit is a straight or slightly coiled capsule up to 4 centimeters long.

Jurupa Hills Sun Cups (Camissonia ignota) is a native annual herb that grows in northern, southern and central California. It tends to grow in clay fields and sandy slopes, at elevations from 300-3600 feet.

Carex barbarae is a species in the Cyperaceae (Sedge) family known by the common names Valley Sedge and Santa Barbara Sedge. Despite its common name it is not limited to the Santa Barbara area and is native to a large part of California and Oregon, where it grows in wet and seasonally wet habitat, such as meadows and riverbanks. This sedge produces angled, hairless stems up to one meter tall or slightly taller. The tough leaves are narrow with shredding, red-spotted or purple basal sheaths. The flower cluster produces erect and drooping spikes up to about 8 centimeters long with an associated long leaf which exceeds the length of the spikes. The fruits are covered in a sac called a perigynium which is light to dark brown and sometimes red-spotted, leathery and tough, and sometimes with a toothed, hairy tip. The plant rarely matures into a fruiting stage, however, with most individuals remaining sterile. Parts of this sedge are used in basketry and as sewing fiber by California Native American groups such as the Maidu and Pomo. Use caution in deciding where to use this plant because it can be an aggressive spreader wherever there is moisture. Its tendency to spread can be controlled by planting in a container. It is useful on the margin of a pond or in a bioswale.

Carex nudata is a species in the Cyperaceae (Sedge) family known by several common names, including Torrent Sedge, California Black-flowering Sedge, Dudley's Sedge, and Naked Sedge. This is a bright green sedge which grows in mounds below the high-water mark in marshes and on river banks. It bears long scaly spikes of black, dark reddish or dusky brown flowers, which begin erect and then droop when they become heavy. It grows amidst rocks and becomes a dense mounding tussock. It is found mainly in California and Oregon.

Carex obnupta is a species of sedge known by the common name slough sedge. It is native to western North America from British Columbia to California where it grows crudsaline habitat such as wetlands. The plant produces upright, angled stems approaching 1.2 meters in maximum height, growing in beds or colonies from rhizome networks. The flower cluster is a cluster of flower spikes accompanied by a long leaflike leaf. The pistillate spikes and sometimes the staminate spikes dangle on peduncles. The fruit is coated by a hard, tough, shiny perigynium which is generally dark in color.

Clustered field sedge (Carex praegracilis) is a tough, adaptable species in the sedge family (Cyperaceae), native to much of North America, except for the southeastern region. It thrives in wet and seasonally wet environments, including meadows, riverbanks, and wetlands, and can even grow in clay hardpan soils.

This sedge spreads readily by underground rhizomes, making it useful for erosion control on slopes. It also serves as an excellent lawn alternative, requiring significantly less water than traditional turfgrass. It can be mowed, tolerates moderate foot traffic, and works well in poorly draining areas or between pavers.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Tolertates any sun exposure in coast sites, but requires part shade or shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

A species of sedge known by the common name San Diego sedge. It is native to the southwestern United States and far northern Mexico, where it grows in wet places, sometimes on serpentine soils. This sedge looks somewhat like a cattail. It produces angled stems easily exceeding a meter in height surrounded by leathery grey-green to reddish-green leaves (if drought stressed) up to about 1.2 meters long. The flower cluster is up to 80 centimeters long, with many long reddish brown flower spikes, each holding up to 300 developing fruits.

This is a easy and fast growing plant for full sun and heavy, moist soils. In even part shade, it tends to get weedy and unattractive. Needs plenty of water, so best to grow this in a sunny spot along a creek, seep or other naturally moist area, or in a regularly irrigated area.

Rusty Slender Sedge (Carex subfusca) is a native grass that grows in northern, southern and central California. It tends to grow in moist, open places, at elevations from 0-3000 feet. Like other wetland plants it will spread to fill any moist area. It will become deciduous in summer dryness.

Foothill Sedge (Carex tumulicola) is a native grass-like herb in the Cyperaceae (Sedge) family that is found primarily along the coast from Humboldt County to San Luis Obispo County and on the Channel Island. It tends to grow in meadows and open places, at elevations from sea level to 4,000 feet. Unlike many other members of this genus, it is not a wetland plant. It prefers some moisture but can tolerate short periods of dryness. It spreads slowly by rhizomes.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun or part shade in coastal sites, and part shade or shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Purple owl's clover (Castilleja exserta) is an annual in the same species as the Indian paintbrushes. It was formerly included in the genus Orthocarpus, and some sources may still refer to it by that name. Although this species is variable in appearance and easily hybridizes with other Castilleja, it generally bears shaggy pink-purple or lavender flower clusters that resemble clover (though they are not related). The thin, erect leaves are usually tipped with the same color, giving the flower cluster the appearance of a paintbrush. It produces pods containing seeds.

The plant's showy appearance when in flower makes it a great fit for informal meadows and related landscapes. Like other related plants in the family, purple owl's clover derives some of its nutrients directly from the roots of other plants. Therefore, it is almost always planted, or grown from seed, with a perennial species from its natural plant community to serve as the host plant, such as a native grass. It takes full sun, prefers fast-draining soil but is tolerant of sand and clay. It does not need summer water.

The flowers attract bees and butterflies. It is a crucial host plant for the Bay Checkerspot butterfly, a threatened species in California, and hosts a likely total of 12 species of butterfly and moth.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected by Louis Edmunds in 194. Believed to be a C. impressus x C. Spinosus hybrid.

Hybrid of Ceanothus gloriosus and Ceanothus masonii. This glorious hybrid Ceanothus is as attractive as it is useful. It has brilliant violet flowers that start to bloom in early spring and small, holly-like leaves. It is very tough, drought tolerant and yet will tolerate heavy, clay soil. For those living in the mountains you'll be happy to note that the deer tend to stay away from this lilac. It is a great option for a hedge or barrier reaching about six feet high and with a similar spread. It will also respond well to pruning for a more formal hedge. Plant this lilac in full sun to appreciate its brilliant blooms at their best.

C. gloriosus x C. masonii introduced by Rancho santa Ana Botanic Garden Tolerates almost any soil type. Hybrid introduced by Rancho santa Ana Botanic Garden in 1979.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun or part shade in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Seed collected from C. papillosus (C. p. var. roweanus) collected at Tilden Botanical Garden in 1965 by Lady Cynthia postan. Other parent thought to be C. thyrsiflorus var. griseus.

Dark star mountain lilac (C. impressus x C. papillosus var. roweanus) is an evergreen shrub in the Buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae). This hybrid ceanothus was introduced by Ken Taylor in 1971. In spring the small, dark green leaves are covered in pinkish-purple buds followed by light blue flower clusters.

All ceanothus are attractive to deer, birds and pollinators. Deer eat the flowers and leaves; birds eat the small, black fruits; bees, butterflies, and moths feed from the flowers. Once mature, its branches also create a safe haven for birds and small wildlife.

Dark star grows well in dry, infertile soils on slopes or where drainage is excellent. Ceanothus species are naturally found in sunny, dry locations in chaparral and sunny woodland openings.

In the home garden, this is a show-stopper when it is in bloom, and an evergreen backbone the rest of the year. Place this medium-large shrub where it will not receive supplemental irrigation during the summer after its first year. Overwatering it will decrease its longevity. Surround young shrubs with tall chicken wire for the first year or so after planting, to protect them until they are large enough to tolerate deer grazing.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Originated from an open-pollinated seedlings of C. xburtonensis (hybrid of C. impressus x C. thyrsifloris). Selected by Dara Emery & introduced in 1981.

Hybrid of Ceanothus thyrsiflorus and Ceanothus arboreus. Ceanothus 'Frosty Blue' is an evergreen mountain lilac that reaches to 6'-8' tall and up to 8' wide. Fast growing it can mature in 18 months, and can be trained into a small tree or even espaliered. Flowers appear in early spring, medium blue with a frosted appearance hence the name. Frosty Blue is one of the most adaptable of the ceanothus. It tolerates most soil types including heavy clay and sandy soil and likes both sun or light shade. Heat, drought and frost tolerant to degrees F. The primary requirements for garden success is a well-drained soil and a light watering hand. If in clay then make sure it does not get waterlogged. Once established, Frosty Blue will survive on rainfall alone in coastal gardens where it's tolerant of both wind and salt spray. this is an easy hedge plant, small screen, or focal plant in a drought tolerant garden. Like all ceanothus, Frosty Blue is a valuable nectar source for many butterflies, bees and other insects.

Frosty Blue was selected in 1965 by Percy Everett, superintendent of the Rancho santa Ana Botanic Garden in Claremont, California. It was named by John Dourley in 197 and introduced into the nursery trade in 1974. Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected by percy Everett at RsABG in 1965. Named by John Dourley in 197 and introduced in 1974. possible hybid of C. impressus x C. thyrsiflorus var. griseus.

This Beautiful hybrid lilac grows to only about 3-5 ft high but about 8-12 ft wide. 'Joyce Coulter' has dark green foliage and medium blue flowers which bloom all the way from March to May. This variety will tolerate pruning and a wide range of garden conditions. It is fast-growing and is a beautiful choice for large slopes, or above a retaining wall, or anywhere you want a low-water yet lush flowering plant. Due to the width of this plant you can cover large areas with just a few plants. It grows well in hot areas and is drought tolerant.

It is a natural hybrid of Ceanothus papillosus var. roweanus x Ceanothus impressus (possibly) and was introduced by the saratoga Horticultural Foundation in 1956. Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and sun or part shade in inland sites. Selected by John E. Coulter in san Carlos, CA in 1956; introduced by saratoga Horticultural Foundation in 1962. possible hybrid of C. papillosus x C. thyrsiflorus var. griseus.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and sun or part shade in inland sites. A selection for the garden introduced in 1948 by Walter Lammerts. One parent believed to be C. impressus.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected from seed collected in 195's by Malcolm G. Smith; introduced in 1975 by saratoga Horticultural Foundation. Believed to be a hybrid of C. arboreus x C. thyrsiflorus var. griseus.

Ceanothus hybrid. This lilac has glossy dark green leaves that set off the stunning blue flowers. It is fast growing and adaptable.It grows to 1' high and 5' wide with an upright, dense form. The Ceanothus grows great in clay soils especially the shaley clay soils, as well as more well-drained soils. It is thought to be a hybrid of Ceanothus oliganthus var. sorediatus and Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. griseus and was introduced by Bert and Celeste Wilson of Las Pilitas Nursery in 1991. Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and sun or part shade in inland sites. A hybrid of C. oliganthus var. sorediatus x C. thyrsiflorus var. griseus from Las pilitas Nursery in santa Margarita.

Hybrid of undetermined Ceanothus species, likely including Ceanothus cyaneus. 'Sierra Blue' is a tall, fast-growing lilac with a reputation for longevity. It can reach 15' - 2' tall and 25' wide. Vivid blue flowers are produced from April to mid-May. This lilac is best grown in full sun and appears to do well on the coast as well as inland.

Hybrid, F2; origin = seedlings (1948) University of California, Los Angeles from C. 'La Primavera' (C. cyaneus x , 1935 sBBG) x C. cyaneus?; intro UCLA 1948 Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected by Walter Lammerts in 1948 from an open-pollinated seedling from santa Barbara Botanic Garden. One parent of this hybrid is C. cyaneus.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selection from santa Cruz Island made in 1983 by David Fross.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and sun or part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden by Carol Bornstein from a specimen on the west end of santa Cruz Island. Introduced by santa Barbara Botanic Garden in 22.

Ceanothus cordulatus is a species of shrub in the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae) known by the common names Mountain Whitethorn and Whitethorn Ceanothus. It is native to California and adjacent sections of Oregon, Nevada, and Baja California, where it grows on mountain ridges and other forested areas. In California its major population is in the Sierras. This is a spreading shrub growing usually wider than tall and up to about 1.5 meters. The stems are gray, with the twigs yellow-green in color and fuzzy in texture when new. The evergreen leaves are alternately arranged and up to 3 centimeters long. Each is oval in shape with three ribs and generally not toothed. The leaves may be hairy or not. The flower cluster is panicle-shaped, up to about 4 centimeters long. The flowers are white to off-white with five sepals and five petals. The fruit is a rough, ridged capsule up to half a centimeter long. It has three valves inside, each containing a seed. This is a plant for high elevation gardens, from 4,000 ft. to 10,000 ft. At lower elevations it grows slowly and performs poorly. It is one of the most cold-tolerant of the Ceanothus.

Ceanothus foliosus is a species of flowering shrub in the Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn) family known by the common name Wavyleaf Ceanothus. This Ceanothus is endemic to California, where its distribution extends throughout the Coast Ranges and the northern end of the Peninsular Ranges. This shrub appears in a variety of forms throughout its range. It may be tall and erect but is generally under two meters in height; it may also be low-lying and sprawling. There are three recognized varieties; var. vineatus (Vine Hill Ceanothus) is a rare form. The species generally has sparse, small evergreen leaves only one to two centimeters in length and toothed along the edges with hairy knobs. The petite flower clusters are borne on naked stalks and are bunched with blue or lavender flowers with prominent yellow anthers. The fruit is a capsule about 4 millimeters long containing usually 3 seeds. It is an excellent butterfly plant.

Horticultural selection from Ceanothus gloriosus. 'Heart's Desire' is desirable, dense groundcover 6"-12" high and spreading as much as 5' across. the dark green leaves are attractive and it grows fast. Blooms are blue and darker than other Ceanothus gloriosus cultivars. It is an excellent choice for coastal gardens, but needs some partial shade and a little extra water inland.

Horticultural selection C. foliosus x C. greseus: origin = cuttings (1993) north coast Bodega Bay; intro Cal Flora Nursery 1995 Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected by phil Van soelen from a Heart's Desire Beach in Marin County.

Ceanothus hearstiorum is a species of flowering shrub known by the common names Hearst Ranch Buckbrush and Hearst's Ceanothus. This Ceanothus is endemic to California, where it grows wild only on the hilly coastline of San Luis Obispo County. This shrub is generally wider than it is tall and often lies prostrate in a mat on the ground. The younger branches are hairy and somewhat feltlike in texture. The distinctive evergreen leaves are oval to almost rectangular and have a cupped, rippled surface. The edges are toothed with tiny hairy knobs and the shiny surface may be dotted with more knobs. The underside of the leaf is fuzzy to hairy. The flower clusters are borne on short, stout stalks and the tiny flowers are lavender to blue with prominent yellow-anthered blue stamens.

This plant prefers to be near the coast where it would have cooler temperatures and some fog. If planted inland, give afternoon shade and an occasional rinse in the summer. It is a rare plant in the wild due to its extremely limited distribution. However, it is a popular garden plant and is readily available at nurseries.

Deer brush (Ceanothus integerrimus) is a woody shrub in the Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn) family native to the western United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, California, Oregon, and Washington. It grows in a wide range of habitats, from chaparral mountain shrub regions to hardwood forests and fir, spruce, and Ponderosa Pine communities, with the most abundance in California's chaparral. The species shows significant variability in form across its range. In some areas, it is a deciduous shrub 1-4 meters tall with an open, ascending to erect branching habit. In others, it is evergreen or semi-deciduous and decumbent. There are two recognized varieties, with overlapping ranges reflecting the species' adaptability.

Deer brush is a drought-adapted shrub that fixes nitrogen through root nodules formed by actinomycete bacteria. It produces fragrant flowers, typically white, though they may occasionally be shades of blue. While it can be tricky to grow in the garden, especially without providing the right conditions, it thrives best in mountain gardens and is particularly suited to growing in the shade of conifers or oaks. The shrub is browsed by wildlife, especially deer.

Ceanothus maritimus is a rare, narrow endemic species of shrub in the Buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae) known by the common name Maritime Ceanothus. It is endemic to San Luis Obispo County, California, where it is known from only a few occurrences in the vicinity of Hearst Ranch. It shares the same range as the similarly rare Ceanothus hearstiorum, growing on the coastal bluffs.

This species looks unlike other Ceanothus and is said to resemble the non-native Cotoneaster. This is a spreading or ascending shrub under a meter in height with reddish gray bark aging to gray. The firm evergreen leaves are oppositely arranged, each oval or oblong in shape with a pointed, flat, or notched tip. Its short leaves are shiny green on top and woolly underneath, with their edges curled under and sometimes toothed.

The flower cluster is a small cluster of deep blue to off-white flowers. The fruit is a capsule, generally rounded with tiny horns on top. This is an attractive, adaptable, long-lived plant that is great for central coastal gardens.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Horticultural selection from Ceanothus maritimus. Frosty Dawn California Lilac, also known as Maritime ceanothus, is a small, evergreen groundcover 2'-3' x 5'-6'. Its low, compact and creeping habit make this an excellent choice for coastal gardens. Like it's parent, Frosty Dawn is slow growing but long lived, try planting Frosty Dawn Ceanothus on hills, mixed in with boulders, or in a border that has plants that also prefer low water. Leaves are greyish green above, nearly white with wool beneath. It produces dense clusters of lavender-blue flowers in spring, even as early as December. Provide additional water and protection from afternoon sun inland.

Horticultural selection C. maritimus; intro David Fross, Native sons Nursery Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected from cuttings collected by Austin Griffiths and David Fross south of Arroyo de la Cruz in 1985.

Horticultural selection from Ceanothus maritimus. Point sierra California Lilac is a selection of maritime Ceanothus from just north of Arroyo de la Cruz. It is a small scale groundcover evergreen shrub, growing 1-3'high x 4-6'wide. We love Ceanothus maritimus and chose to grow this Point sierra selection due to it's increased tolerance of inland heat. Nonetheless, we recommend some light shade for hot interior gardens. Lavender blue flowers appear in early spring. This plant will grow in heavy soils and is great wildlife plant for butterflies, pollinators and birds.

Plant as a small-scale groundcover, as an accent in a dry border, or as a highlight in a rock garden. Trails over walls or rocks wonderfully. Maritime ceanothus adapts to many soil types, it will even grow in heavy soils as long as they are well drained. This groundcover ceanothus is slow-growing but long-lived. Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected from cuttings collected south of Arroyo de la Cruz by Austin Griffiths and David Fross in 1985.

Horticultural selection from Ceanothus maritimus. Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. A selection for the garden. Introduced by UC Davis.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Horticultural selection from Ceanothus maritimus. Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and sun or part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected by Dara Emery in 1981 from Wheeler Gorge in Ventura County. Introduced by santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

Monterey Ceanothus (Ceanothus rigidus previously called Ceanothus cuneatus var. rigidus) is a rare native shrub that grows in Northern, Southern and Central California, primarily in the Central Coast and SF Bay regions. It tends to grow in dry fans, slopes and ridges, at elevations from 0-5900 feet.

Ceanothus rigidus is primarily available in nurseries as cultivars - the two most common of which are Ceanothus rigidus 'Snowball', and Ceanothus rigidus'' 'Sierra Snow'. Both have profuse white flowers, and a dense form with arching branches the former of The Snowball variety ranges from 4-5 high and 8 feet wide, and Sierra Snow ranges from 5-6 feet high and 10-15 feet wide. Both are relatively easy to grow in the natural coastal range of the straight Ceanothus rigidus species.

Ceanothus 'Snowball' is a dense, mounding shrub that is covered in pure white balls of flower clusters in the spring. The flowers really stand out against the plant's arching branches of dark green, leathery leaves. Snowball grows 4' tall and can spread to 10'. It is best near the coast but can take inland heat and drought, as well as heavier soils, as long as it gets some afternoon shade and a bit of summer water. It likes to keep it's roots cool but dry in the summer and will respond well to a quick rinsing off of it leaves every week or so in the summer. Just make sure you don't get the soil wet! Try it on a hillside or let it cascade over a wall. Horticultural selection by Lester Rowntree, C. cuneatus var. rigidus: origin = cuttings (1950) Yankee Pt., central coast, Monterey Co.; intro Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden 1954.

Ceanothus spinosus is a species in the Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn) family known by the common names greenbark ceanothus and redheart. It is native to the coastal strip of southern California south of San Luis Obispo County to northern Baja California, where it grows in the scrub and chaparral of the coastal mountain ranges. This is a large treelike shrub approaching six meters in maximum height. The stem is a rough-barked trunk near the base and has thorny, greenish-brown branches. The thick, firm evergreen leaves are up to 4 or 5 centimeters long and are hairless on the upper surface but sometimes lined with hairs underneath. The shrub blooms in flower clusters up to 15 centimeters long filled with clusters of white to pale blue flowers. The fruit is a smooth, round capsule about half a centimeter wide containing 3 seeds.