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Snowbrush Ceanothus

Ceanothus velutinus

The Snowbrush Ceanothus is a lovely shrub with shiny green leaves and beautiful white flowers. It grows in the wild and smells sweet, especially when you touch its leaves!

Habitat: Mountain regions

Appearance

The Snowbrush Ceanothus is an evergreen shrub with dark green, glossy, leathery leaves that often feel sticky to the touch. It produces dense, frothy clusters of tiny, fragrant white flowers that blanket its branches, making it look like it's dusted with snow.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyRhamnaceaeGenusCeanothus
Snowbrush Ceanothus
aromatic trait badgeflowering trait badgeshrub trait badgespring_blooming trait badge
Snowbrush Ceanothus

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Indigenous people once used Snowbrush wood to start fires by rubbing sticks together!

Its name 'Snowbrush' comes from how its white flowers blanket hillsides like fresh snow!

Many animals, like deer and elk, munch on its leaves, especially when other food is scarce!

This plant's shiny, waxy leaves stay green all year, providing food even in winter!

Special abilities

Ability

Fire Rebounder

Snowbrush Ceanothus can vigorously re-sprout from its root crown after wildfires, and its seeds often need fire's heat to germinate.

Ability

Soil Power-Up

Snowbrush Ceanothus has special root nodules that partner with tiny bacteria to pull nitrogen gas from the air, fertilizing the soil around it.

Ability

Drought Defender

Snowbrush Ceanothus has thick, waxy leaves that help it store water and reduce moisture loss, allowing it to thrive in dry, sunny places.

Measurements & details

Height
100-400 cm
Spread
100-300 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to early summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honeybee

Apis mellifera

collects nectar and pollen

eaten by

Mule Deer

Odocoileus hemionus

browses on leaves and twigs

pollinates

Western Bumblebee

Bombus occidentalis

visits flowers for nectar

eaten by

Elk

Cervus canadensis

grazes on foliage, especially in winter

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch plants unless you know they're safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Snowbrush Ceanothus?

100-400 cm

How wide does Snowbrush Ceanothus spread?

100-300 cm

How big are the flowers on Snowbrush Ceanothus?

0.5-1 cm

When does Snowbrush Ceanothus bloom?

Late spring to early summer

Is Snowbrush Ceanothus edible?

No

Is Snowbrush Ceanothus toxic?

None

What is Snowbrush Ceanothus's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Snowbrush Ceanothus pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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