Ceanothus foliosus var. viejasensis

Viejas mountain ceanothus

Family: Rhamnaceae · Type: shrub · Native

Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2

Viejas mountain ceanothus is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native shrub found in rocky chaparral habitats on gabbro-derived substrates at elevations of 780 to 1,370 meters. Flowering from March to April, this plant produces small white to light blue flowers in compact clusters. Growing as an erect, open shrub less than 2 meters tall with ascending stems, it develops a distinctive branching structure. Its ovate to elliptic leaves feature densely long, wavy or curly hairs on the underside, creating a uniquely textured appearance with wavy, gland-toothed margins that give the foliage a soft, intricate character.

Habitat: Rocky, gabbro-derived substrates on slopes and flats, chaparral

Bloom period: Mar-Apr

Elevation: 780-1370 m

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.