'California
Lilac'
Ceanothus
Ceanothus
is a colorful shrub that is common in California. It is sometimes
called California lilac. Ceanothus ranges in height from short,
matted forms to tall tree-like shrubs. It usually flowers in March
and April. The flowers vary from white to lavender to dark blue,
depending on the species. What looks from a distance like
a single long flower is really a cluster of many tiny flowers. The
flower groups are usually up to two inches long. Most Ceanothus
in California are evergreen. One of the common native species
of Ceanothus is Ceanothus cuneatus. Ceanothus cuneatuss
blossoms are white or sometimes light lavender, and the shrub usually
grows up to 8 feet tall. This and other Ceanothus add beautiful
color to our spring landscape.