Ceanothus papillosus

Common Names

Wartleaf Ceanothus, California Lilac

Summary

Wartleaf ceanothus is a California native evergreen shrub with a form that has several stems and typically reaches about 3 to 16 feet tall and 3 to 10 feet wide, occurring in open habitats on slopes of coastal mountain ranges such as woodland and chaparral; distinctive features include evergreen oblong leaves with dense glandular bumps and edges turned under, and bright blue flower clusters in spring, followed by small bumpy fruit capsules about 3 mm long.

Growing conditions include USDA zones 8a to 11, mostly full sun, and very low to low water needs with dry summers; soils range from sandy or loamy to well drained, and the plant is drought tolerant once established and heat tolerant; in landscapes it is used for bank stabilization or hedges and attracts bees, birds, and butterflies; propagation can be by seed or cuttings.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-16 feet

Spread

4-8 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun.

Soil Type

Well-drained sandy or loamy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

7.0-7.0

Bloom Color

Blue

Bloom Time

Spring to early Summer

Foliage Color

Green (dark green on the adaxial surface; pale green on the abaxial surface)

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds (hot water treatment; 2.5–3 months stratification), Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and butterflies