Ceanothus arboreus

Ceanothus arboreus is a species of shrub endemic to California, especially to the Channel Islands. It is known commonly as feltleaf ceanothus. It is a species of what are sometimes called California lilacs, and may be referred to as the California mountain lilac or island mountain lilac. It is one of the tallest of the genus, growing up to 25-30 ft. in height, bearing glossy dark green leaves which are leathery or felt-like on their undersides. It is sometimes planted as a fast-growing ornamental for its showy bright blue flowers, which grow in plentiful panicles, or bunches, of tiny five-lobed blossoms. Some varieties and cultivars have light, powder blue blooms, and others bear darker blue flowers. One named variety is known as ‘Owlswood Blue’. The species is used as a parent in popular ornamental hybrids such as ‘Ray Hartman’. The fruits are three-lobed, triangular capsules. As a native of dry California, the plant is drought-tolerant and may be found in chaparral ecosystems. It has a reputation for being short lived, but life span is improved by not overwatering, withholding summer water and replicating natural conditions as much as possible.