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Description
Ceanothus Oliganthus, commonly known as the Chaparral Ceanothus, is a species of flowering shrub that belongs to the genus Ceanothus. It is native to California, Arizona, and Nevada in the United States. The plant is a part of the Rhamnaceae family and has several medicinal properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rhamnaceae |
| Genus | Ceanothus |
Appearance
The Chaparral Ceanothus is a small to medium-sized evergreen shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It has a dense, bushy growth habit and produces a profusion of small white or pale blue flowers in the spring. The leaves are small, glossy, and dark green, and are arranged opposite each other on the stem. The plant has a deep root system that helps it survive in dry and rocky soil conditions.
Care Guide
Ceanothus Oliganthus is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter months.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. Amend the soil with organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Chaparral Ceanothus is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly-drained soil. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect this plant:
- Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that can affect the plant if grown in poorly-drained soil. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth.
- Spider Mites: These pests can cause yellowing and mottling of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control infestations.
- Aphids: These pests can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control infestations.
Habitat
The Chaparral Ceanothus is native to California, Arizona, and Nevada in the United States. It is commonly found in chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats. The plant is adapted to dry and rocky soil conditions and is often used in landscaping to create a natural, California-style garden.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Ceanothus Oliganthus drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, the plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in dry soil conditions.
Q: Can Ceanothus Oliganthus be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers, but it may require more frequent watering and fertilization.
Q: Does Ceanothus Oliganthus attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant is attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Q: How often should Ceanothus Oliganthus be pruned?
A: The plant should be pruned once a year after flowering to promote bushy growth and remove old or dead wood.
Related Plants
- Ceanothus ‘Concha’
- Ceanothus ‘Dark Star’
- Ceanothus ‘Joyce Coulter’
References
- https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=1635
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/ceanothus-oliganthus-chaparral-ceanothus
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CEOL3
