Ceanothus crassifolius var. planus
Hoary leaved ceanothus
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Family: Rhamnaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Ceanothus crassifolius var. planus (Hoary leaved ceanothus) is a native California shrub in the Rhamnaceae family, recognized by . Flat leaf margins, evident veins, and sparse undersurface hairs versus var. crassifolius.
Hoary leaved ceanothus is a California native shrub found in southern Santa Barbara and Ventura counties in coastal mountain ranges and chaparral habitats at elevations of 60 to 1,280 meters. Flowering from January to April, this plant produces white flowers in dense clusters that contrast beautifully with its pale green to nearly white leaves. Growing as a compact shrub 1 to 2 meters tall with sturdy branching, it develops thick, leathery foliage with prominent veins. Its leaves are distinctive, appearing pale green to almost white between raised veins, with a sparse white-felt undersurface and thick, generally entire margins. The shrub forms dense, rounded clusters that provide important habitat and visual texture in California's coastal chaparral landscapes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 27 sympatric species. Flat leaf margins, evident veins, and sparse undersurface hairs versus var. crassifolius.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Ridges, slopes, chaparral
Elevation: 60-1280 m
Bloom period
Ceanothus crassifolius var. planus blooms Jan-Apr.
How to tell it apart
vs Rhamnus: Ceanothus has showy blue/white/pink flowers in dense clusters; Rhamnus has tiny inconspicuous greenish flowers.; vs Quercus: Ceanothus has showy flower clusters and small leaves; Quercus has acorns and distinctive lobed or toothed oak leaves.; vs Baccharis: Ceanothus has individual flowers with 5 separate petals; Baccharis has composite flower heads with tiny disc flowers.; vs Cercocarpus: Ceanothus has blue/white/pink flowers in clusters; Cercocarpus has tiny flowers with no petals and feathery fruiting tails.; vs Adenostoma: Ceanothus flowers have 5 distinct colored petals; Adenostoma has tiny white flowers and needle-like clustered leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ceanothus crassifolius var. planus native to California?
Yes. Ceanothus crassifolius var. planus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Ceanothus crassifolius var. planus bloom?
Ceanothus crassifolius var. planus blooms Jan-Apr.
What plant family does Ceanothus crassifolius var. planus belong to?
Ceanothus crassifolius var. planus is in the Rhamnaceae family, genus Ceanothus.
What habitat does Ceanothus crassifolius var. planus grow in?
Ceanothus crassifolius var. planus grows in Ridges, slopes, chaparral.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.