Ceanothus impressus var. nipomensis

Nipomo mesa ceanothus

Family: Rhamnaceae · Type: shrub · Native

Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2

Nipomo mesa ceanothus is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native shrub found in southern Central Coast regions including Nipomo Mesa and Irish Hills on sandy substrates, flats, and canyons at elevations below 200 meters. Flowering from February to April, this plant produces small blue to white flowers in compact clusters. Growing erect with an open structure reaching 1 to 3 meters tall, the shrub develops sturdy woody branches. Its leaves are distinctive, with flat blades 11 to 25 millimeters long and 7 to 20 millimeters wide, providing a dense, textured appearance. The shrub thrives in coastal sandy environments, creating distinctive patches of vegetation in its limited range.

Habitat: Sandy substrates, flats, canyons

Bloom period: Feb-Apr

Elevation: < 200 m

Bioregions: s CCo (Nipomo Mesa, Irish Hills).

California counties: San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara

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