Kingdom Plantae Family Rhamnaceae Scientific name Ceanothus verrucosus Rank Species | Order Rosales Genus Ceanothus Higher classification California lilac | |
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Similar California lilac, Ceanothus tomentosus, Ceanothus cyaneus, Ceanothus crassifolius, Ceanothus masonii | ||
Ceanothus verrucosus is a species of shrub in the buckthorn family Rhamnaceae known by the common names wart-stem ceanothus, barranca brush, and white coast ceanothus. It is native to Baja California and San Diego County, where it grows in coastal chaparral and scrub. Most of the valuable coastal land that hosts this plant in the San Diego area has been claimed for development, but several populations still remain scattered around the region, such as one protected at Torrey Pines.
Description
Ceanothus verrucosus is an erect shrub approaching 3 meters in maximum height. The bumpy evergreen leaves are alternately arranged, each up to about 1.5 centimeters long. The inflorescence is a cluster of flowers up to 2 centimeters long. The flower is white except for its characteristic dark center. The fruit is a capsule about half a centimeter long.
