Blue Blossom
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. thyrsiflorus
Buckthorn Family (Rhamnaceae)
Native
Key Identifying Characteristics
Large, evergreen shrub to small tree with dark green leaves and showy clusters of light blue to lavender flowers in late winter and early spring.
Height / Size
Varies. 2 to 30 feet tall, 2 to 40 feet wide
Leaves
Alternate leaves have three veins that join at the base. Leaves are shiny and dark green on upper leaf surface (adaxial), and lighter pale green on underside of leaf (abaxial) growing to two inches long. Leaf margins, though variable, tend to curve under (revolute).
Flower
Noted for its large fluffy clusters, up to 8 inches long, packed with pale to dark blue flowers dotted with yellow stamens.
Bloom Time: March to May.
Fruit / Seed
Blue blossom seeds are very small, shiny, and typically blackish-brown, and are found within small, three-lobed capsules.
Habitat
Chaparral, Mixed Evergreen Forest, Northern Coastal Scrub, Closed Cone Pine Forest
Location / Range
All trails. In California, found in the Coast Ranges from Del Norte County to Monterey County.
Lifespan
9 to 15 years
Fascinating / Fun Facts
Grows well in a variety of soils and is fairly drought resistant. The Pomo use the fresh or dried flowers as a soap for washing hands, face, and body; mixing the flowers with water to produce a fine lather when rubbed briskly on the skin.
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