Ceanothus gloriosus var. porrectus

Mt. Vision Ceanothus is one of three recognized varieties of Ceanothus gloriosus. All three varieties are rare, but var. porrectus is the most rare and has the most limited distribution, being restricted to a handful of sites in the vicinity of Pt. Reyes and Tomales Bay. This is an area that receives significant moisture from summer fog. Mt. Vision Ceanothus tends to grow in sandy places, at elevations from sea level to 1,000 feet. It is low growing, forming a mat or low mound. The evergreen leaves are oppositely arranged and up to 5 centimeters long, rounded to oval in shape. The edges are toothed, the teeth sometimes spine-tipped. The flower cluster is bright blue to purple. The fruit is a horned capsule about 4 millimeters wide. Although this plant is native to the north coast, it has been used in other coastal parts of the state if conditions similar to its native habitat can be maintained.