Ceanothus megacarpus var. insularis

Island ceanothus, Island Ceanothus

Family: Rhamnaceae · Type: shrub · Native

Conservation status: CNPS 4.3

Island ceanothus is a California native shrub found in the Channel Islands in rocky slopes, canyons, and chaparral at elevations below 475 meters. Flowering from February to March, this plant produces clusters of small white to pale blue flowers. Growing as a dense, rounded shrub 1 to 3 meters tall with multiple stems, it forms compact thickets in its coastal island habitat. Its leaves are generally opposite, with small, leathery blades that help the plant conserve moisture in its dry, exposed environment. The fruit is smooth or slightly three-ridged, typically without prominent horns.

Habitat: Rocky slopes, canyons, chaparral

Bloom period: Feb-Mar

Elevation: < 475 m

Bioregions: ChI.

California counties: Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles

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