Snowbrush Ceanothus
Ceanothus velutinus · Rhamnaceae
- Form
- Shrub
- Height
- 3–10 ft
- Sun
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Blooms
- May, Jun, Jul
- Habitat
- Montane
🌿 California native
Quick facts
- Habitat: Sunny Montane slopes, burns, and open pine forest
- Form / size: Evergreen shrub, 3–10 ft
- Sun: Full sun · Water: Low
- Blooms: White flower masses in late spring–summer · Pollinator value: High
Description
A robust mountain ceanothus with shiny, somewhat sticky evergreen leaves and broad clusters of white flowers. It often becomes conspicuous after fire or disturbance, where it can form bright green thickets below the pines.
Wildlife & pollinators
Excellent bee shrub. Dense growth also offers cover for birds and small wildlife.
Habitat & range
Open mountain slopes, burns, and forest edges across the Sierra and other western ranges, including the Mammoth region.
In the garden
Good for a dry mountain-style native planting if given drainage and not overwatered in summer. Like many ceanothus, it dislikes root disturbance once established.
Propagation
From seed after scarification/heat cue, or from cuttings in skilled hands.
Where to see it near you
- iNaturalist — observed across California (map)
- Common in montane openings around Mammoth-adjacent forest and the broader Eastern Sierra.
