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Description
Ceanothus Arboreus, commonly known as the Tree Lilac, is a species of evergreen shrub in the Rhamnaceae family. This plant is native to California and can grow up to 30 feet tall with a spread of 15 feet. The leaves are dark green and glossy, and the flowers are small, white, and fragrant.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rhamnaceae |
| Genus | Ceanothus |
Appearance
Ceanothus Arboreus has a dense, rounded canopy and a multi-stemmed trunk. The leaves are alternate, oval-shaped, and around 3 inches long. They are dark green and glossy, giving the plant a lush appearance. The flowers appear in clusters in the spring and have a sweet, honey-like scent. The fruit is a small, dry capsule that contains several seeds.
Care Guide
Ceanothus Arboreus is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in well-draining soil and full sun exposure. Here are some tips to care for your Tree Lilac:- Water: This plant requires moderate watering, especially during hot weather. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: You can fertilize your Ceanothus Arboreus once a year in the spring with an all-purpose fertilizer.- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. If your soil is too alkaline, you can amend it with sulfur.- Sunlight: Ceanothus Arboreus requires full sun exposure to thrive. Make sure it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ceanothus Arboreus is generally pest and disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to some issues. Here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:- Scale insects: These small insects can cause yellowing leaves and stunted growth. You can control them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Root rot: This fungal disease can occur if the soil is too wet. Make sure you are not overwatering your plant.- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves. You can control it with a fungicide.
Habitat
Ceanothus Arboreus is native to California and can be found in coastal and mountainous regions. It grows in chaparral, oak woodland, and mixed evergreen forests. This plant is an important food source for native wildlife such as birds and butterflies.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I grow Ceanothus Arboreus in a container?
A: It is possible to grow this plant in a container, but it may not thrive as well as it would in the ground. Make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the roots and use well-draining soil.
Q: How often should I prune my Tree Lilac?
A: You can prune your Ceanothus Arboreus in the late winter or early spring to promote bushier growth. You can also remove dead or damaged branches as needed.
Q: Can I propagate Ceanothus Arboreus from cuttings?
A: Yes, you can propagate this plant from semi-hardwood cuttings in the summer. Make sure the cuttings have at least two nodes and use a rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
Q: Does Ceanothus Arboreus attract bees?
A: Yes, the fragrant flowers of this plant are attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Related Plants
– Ceanothus Concha- Ceanothus Julia Phelps- Ceanothus Ray Hartman- Ceanothus Yankee Point
References
– “Ceanothus Arboreus.” Las Pilitas Nursery. https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/ceanothus-arboreus- “Tree Lilac (Ceanothus Arboreus).” Gardenia. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/ceanothus-arboreus-tree-lilac
