Scientific Name: Ceanothus greggii
Common Name: Desert Ceanothus
Family: Rhamnaceaeor Buckthorn Family
Duration: Perennial
Size:Up to 5 feet, but usually much smaller.
Growth Form: Shrub; erect; twigs are round, gray, pubescence is tomentose plants semi-evergreen.
Leaves: Green; shape variable, elliptical to obovate to oblanceolate; texture thick, somewhat leathery; pubescence also variable; opposite, stipules present; short petioles, margins variable, entire to dentate; top and bottom leaf surface gray-canescent.
Flower Color: Whitish, bluish or pinkish; fragrant flowers in tight clusters; inflorescence small often not surpassing the leaves, raceme-like.
Flowering Season: March to May, occasionally again in September with sufficient monsoon rainfall.
Comments: The very similar Fendler's Ceanothus (Ceanothus fendleri)is usually found at higher elevations and has spine-tipped branches and leaves with 3 major lengthwise veins. Ceanothus greggii does not have thorns. The flowers are very fragrant and perfume the air near the plants. Host plant for Hedgerow Hairstreak butterfly.
