Ceanothus velutinus snowbrush ceanothus
BUCKTHORN Family
Habitat: Dry to moist forests and rocky slopes, preferring open sunny sites and burned areas at low to subalpine elevations. 2-10 feet tall
Growth form: Woody, multi-stemmed and spreading, evergreen shrub. Heavily scented. Bacteria in root nodules fixes atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants.
Leaves: Evergreen, alternate, broadly oval with finely toothed edges. Upper leaf sticky and glossy (appearing varnished), underside paler and velvety. 3 main veins.
Stems: green and smooth.
Flowers: Tiny and white. Born is dense pyramidal clusters along side branches.
Fruits: Small, shiny. Can remain viable in the soil for at least 200 years. Germination is stimulated by fire.