Description

This ceanothus relative grows in coastal scrub in San Diego County into Baja, Mexico. It forms a low mound, wider than tall, with an open structure of olive green branches and small lance shaped leaves. The branches are tipped with notable spines. The spring flowers are cream white with yellow centers. Like many plants from dry areas, spinebush has photosynthetic cells in its stems and may drop its (water-wasting!) leaves when under heat and drought stress. In moderate climates such as the SF Bay Area this never really occurs. This rugged, somewhat inhospitable little mound of green thorns is unlikely to become popular for an ornamental landscape, but is a great choice for a sunny, well-draining, naturalized area.