Description

The chaparral whitethorn is found in mountainous regions from San Diego County to around the latitude of San Francisco. In the SF Bay Area it is found occasionally in the Diablo Range as far north as Del Valle Regional Park, and in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It grows as an open, rounded shrub with waxy blue-green stems punctuated with sharp thorns. This color is rather uncommon among Ceanothus. The oval leaves are sparse enough to reveal the attractive bark. The spring flowers can range from white to blue. Chaparral whitethorn prefers a fairly sunny location with well-draining soil. Like many Ceanothus, it is best to withhold water once the plant is established. Note that in dry years chaparral whitethorn may be drought deciduous.