Ceanothus foliosus

Common Names: wavy leaf mountain lilac

Family: Rhamnaceae

Origin: California

Type: Evergreen shrub

Size: 1 to 2 feet high and wide in wind, 5 ft. high and to 10 ft. wide elsewhere.

Flowers: Deep blue fragrant flowers, spring; wavy fragrant small dark green leaves.

Uses: Ground cover, slopes, background, accent, screen, large spaces, near oak trees. Fire resistive.

Wildlife: Habitat, leaves for caterpillars; pollen, nectar, seeds for bees, butterflies, birds. Somewhat deer resistant.

Soil: Must be well-drained.

Water: Seldom, keep away from stem. Some summer supplementary water but let soil dry first.

Sun: Full sun; some shade in heat.

Pruning: After blooms have faded; avoid cutting off limbs more than 1 in. in diameter. Pinch back shoot tips during growing season.

Pests & Diseases: Root rot from too much water.

Notes: Native to the chaparral, mixed-evergreen and yellow pine forest plant communities of California. Hardy to 15° F.