Ceanothus arboreus is a species of
perennialshrub to small
tree in the family
Rhamnaceae, commonly known as the feltleaf ceanothus, island ceanothus, and island mountain lilac.[3][4] It is the largest member of the California lilacs (the Ceanothus genus), and is characterized with glossy, dark green foliage that is adorned by pale blue to white flowers in bloom. It is endemic to the
Channel Islands of California and
Guadalupe Island in
Mexico,[5] only being re-discovered on Guadalupe Island after the elimination of
feral goats.[6]
Description
Ceanothus arboreus is a spreading bush growing up to 12–36 feet (3.7–11.0 m) in height.[7] It has large, glossy, dark green leaves which are leathery or felt-like on their undersides.[7]
Its showy bright blue flowers grow in plentiful
panicles, or bunches, of tiny five-lobed blossoms.[7] Some varieties and cultivars have light, powder purple blooms, and others bear darker purple flowers. The bloom period is February to April.[3]
The fruits are three-lobed, triangular capsules.[7]
^C. arboreus was first described and published in Bulletin of the California Academy of Sciences, 2(6): 144. 1886.
"Plant Name Details for Ceanothus arboreus". IPNI. Retrieved August 22, 2010.