Ceanothus crassifolius ~ Hoary California Lilac

Ceanothus crassifolius is a medium sized shrub, growing 4-5 feet tall and wide. The Hoary California Lilac takes its name from the dense coat of hairs on the undersides of the leaves. The hairs vary from white to rust. Ceanothus crassifolius will have a cloud of white flowers from Winter into Spring. If you are gardening in a dry climate Ceanothus crassifolius is a particularly good choice as it is native to the mountains of Southern California. So many of our Ceanothus choices come from species that grow along the coast or in more northerly areas that recieve significantly more rain. These ceanothus can be stressed by heat and often need more irrigation to help them through the warmer months. Ceanothus crassifolius is a part of the chapparal community from Point Conception to San Diego. Ceanothus crassifolius is a host plant for the Western Tussock Moth Caterpillar, Hedgerow Hairstreak, California Common Ringlet, and the Pale Tiger Swallowtail and an early season nectar source for the Spring Azure and Monarch Butterfly.

Non-hybrid Ceanothus species featured on this site:
Ceanothus crassifolius
Ceanothus greggii
Ceanothus hearstiorum
Ceanothus megacarpus
Ceanothus oliganthus sorediatus